Family violence

Family violence is a health issue that affects people across the lifespan. It predominantly affects women and children. Alfred Health recognises that hospitals and health services have a key role in identifying and responding to family violence.

Research tells us that the incidence of family violence increases during periods of emergency or natural disaster. We are aware of this risk during the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage those experiencing family violence to access the available support services which are listed below.

We endorse the best practice framework of Sensitive Inquiry.

By definition, family violence is behaviour by a person towards a family member that:

  • Is physically or sexually abusive
  • Is emotionally or psychologically abusive
  • Is economically abusive
  • Is threatening or coercive or dominating
  • Causes fear

This definition also includes behaviours that cause a child to witness or hear or otherwise be exposed to the effects of family violence.

Resources

If you, or someone you know is experiencing any of these behaviours, help is available from a number of organisations. Despite possible changes in the way some organisations are functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic, help is still available and accessible.

  • If you’re in an emergency, please call triple zero (000)
Safe Steps - Family Violence Response Centre
Victoria’s statewide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence. P: 1800 015 188 (24/7)
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service
No to Violence
No to Violence (NTV) is the peak body for organisations and individuals working with men to end their violence and abuse towards family members in Victoria and New South Wales
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
The Sexual Assault Crisis Line Victoria (SACL) is a statewide, after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for people who have experienced both past and recent sexual assault

Information Sharing Schemes

Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS)

Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS)

All requests for the release of information pertaining to these schemes must be done so by an authorised Information Sharing Entity (ISE) and/or Risk Assessment Entity (RAE).  The requesting authorised person/agency will be verified by Alfred Health prior to the release of any information.

To request information pertaining to these schemes complete the Information Sharing Scheme Request and email to: infosharing@alfred.org.au.

Information Sharing Scheme Request
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For further information regarding an information sharing scheme enquiry contact Ph: 9076 8163.

For Freedom of Information or Medico-Legal requests, contact Legal Support Services Ph: 9076 5149.

For other Release of Information requests contact Health Information Services Ph: 9076 2644.

Maternity services at Sandringham Hospital are provided by The Royal Women’s Hospital. You will need to contact The Royal Women’s Hospital if your Information Sharing Scheme request concerns this area.

Medical Enquiries Desk, Health Information Services, The Royal Women's Hospital. Email: medical.enquiries@thewomens.org.au  Phone: 8345 2616  Fax: 8345 2624.