Evaluation of an Integrated Social Work Led Domestic and Family Violence Service at
St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney
Paul Andrews1, Adele Sheridan Magro1ST Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
Abstract
Background:
Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a major global health, gender equality and human rights challenge. SVHNS has a social work led, hospital based, specialist service (the DFVS) providing case-management, advocacy and therapeutic counselling for people affected by DFV. An evaluation was initiated to explore the acceptability and feasibility of this model of care.
Methods:
Mixed methods evaluation comprised of a retrospective file audit (n= 200) of the DFVS and clinician focus groups exploring the experience of referring to the DFVS of internal (to SVHNS) and external (community) referrers. This paper will focus on the experience of the internal referrers (N = 11) working with the DFVS. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically.
Results:
Consultation from the DFVS often enabled the internal referrers to take leadership of DFV cases in their teams and to showcase their social work skills in building treatment plans for patients. Clinicians reported improved skills and confidence in their DFV work over time due to their engagement with DFVS. Finally, clinicians found inspiration and passion in their DFV work, as they draw on their shared professional values of social justice, gender equity and human rights.
Discussion:
This model of DFVS recognises that identification and assessment of DFV is the responsibility of the whole health service and resourcing social workers throughout the organisation to do this will only enhance the response to this pervasive and complex health and societal problem.
Biography
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