Peninsula may benefit from domestic violence clinic

Women of the Peninsula facing domestic violence could receive a new all purpose domestic violence support clinic thanks to a new proposal by SOS Women's Services.

SOS Women's Services has released a proposal to establish Domestic Violence Clinics, a first in Australia, at every women's health centre in NSW.

The clinics would operate every Monday at 17 health centres across NSW, including the Peninsula Women's Health Centre, providing a one-stop-shop for women wanting help to leave abusive relationships or stay safely in their homes.

Women who attend the clinics will receive one-on-one appointments with a Staying Home Leaving Violence caseworker, a financial counsellor and have a health check up with a GP or nurse, all on the one day.

"While advice is available through various hotlines and government agencies, we don't believe this model exists anywhere else," said SOS Women's Services, Ms Roxanne McMurray.

"It would also prevent women from having to keep repeating their stories which is something the Government supports," she added.

Reports show that 50 to 60 per cent of women never report domestic violence to police, but it's something they may reveal privately during a visit to a GP or counsellor.

"That's what these clinics are aiming to do: identify and help the large numbers of women who don't need crisis assistance and don't want or need to go to refuges," Ms McMurray said.

"It's an innovative, achievable proposal which could be up and running almost immediately with the Government's support.

"Women's health centres are a major untapped resource and many women using them have experienced domestic violence.

"The greatest cost to women's health in NSW is domestic violence, estimated at $4.5 billion a year.

"A relatively small investment each year will help prevent family homelessness and keep vulnerable women out of the hospital system," she concluded.

Media release, Aug 14, 2016

Roxanne McMurray, SOS Women's Services

Reporter: Dilon Luke