Background: Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a pervasive issue in Australia, often presenting in primary healthcare settings where doctors, nurses, and administrative staff play crucial roles in patient care. Administrative staff, such as receptionists and practice managers, frequently act as the first point of contact for DFV-affected patients. However, they are less likely to receive training or participate in policy. This knowledge gap can have a significant impact on patient care, practice processes and workforce wellbeing.
Contribution: Informed by our study findings, the aim of the project training activities is to transition general practice and allied health professionals from a reflective to an agentive position. Part of this agency-building includes the opportunity to participate in capacity-building sessions led by local DFV crisis and response specialists. Further resource material and guidance will be provided based on identified needs collected from participants, to assist stakeholders with the development of organisation- and system-level DFV policies and procedures. As of June 2025, the project has directly benefited 77 frontline healthcare workers, providing foundational DFV knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. By including administrative staff in these efforts, the research ensures a comprehensive, inclusive 20 approach to DFV response, which can improve patient safety, support workforce wellbeing, and strengthen organisational resilience. Future training sessions are scheduled for later in the year.
Significance: The concurrent industry implementation of scholarly findings into practice with academic outputs creates a broader impact, in its potential to transform primary care practices into proactive, informed spaces that not only respond to DFV but also contribute to breaking systemic cycles of violence through improved care pathways and policy development. Shared training also increases the opportunity for interprofessional collaboration between administrators and the clinical workforce to support a culture of collaborative team-based care.