Content warning: this story discusses family and intimate partner violence.
ANMF has launched a new website to provide information and resources for nurses, midwives and personal care workers experiencing family violence, and their colleagues and managers.
The ‘Safe Haven’ information hub website was a recommendation of the Family violence against Australian nurses, midwives and carers research report based on the Health, Wellbeing and Relationships membership survey in 2019.
It provides information about support services, including the Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria, and legal information from Gordon Legal for nurses, midwives and personal care workers experiencing intimate partner violence.
ANMF will build a collection of nurses’, midwives’ and carers’ survivor stories and starts with the generous story of Rebecca who shares her experience of childhood trauma and intimate partner violence to let others know they are not alone.
Nurses, midwives and carers will also find information about their family violence leave entitlements and how to access the leave to attend counselling and medical appointments, legal proceedings or appointments or other related activities such as finding alternative accommodation.
The website also provides information and guidance for managers and supervisors who need to respond to a staff member’s family violence disclosure or if they suspect a staff member may be experiencing intimate partner violence.
A separate section assists colleagues, family and friends to support nurses, midwives and carers experiencing family violence.
Nurses, midwives and carers who are concerned about their own behaviour can also find information and support services.
The Health, Wellbeing and Relationships research of Victorian nurses, midwives and personal care workers was a joint ANMF (Vic Branch) and University of Melbourne project.
