Position Statement on Family Violence,
Abuse and Neglect
Family violence, abuse and neglect (also termed ‘family harm’ in New Zealand) refers to all forms of physical violence, psychological or emotional abuse, sexual violence or coercion, neglect, controlling behaviours or other acts of harm occurring within a family. This may include, but is not limited to, incidents within or between children, siblings, parents, grandparents or extended family. Prevalent forms of family violence include child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and elder abuse and neglect.
Family violence, abuse and neglect is a priority healthcare issue and a leading contributor to morbidity and mortality. Family violence, abuse and neglect is an entirely preventable phenomenon, and it is the role of all healthcare services to proactively identify and respond to the needs of their patients. All registered paramedics should be able to recognise the harm that family violence, abuse and neglect causes to society, and have access to formalised education to ensure they are providing the best care for their patients.
During the course of their regular work paramedics encounter patients experiencing family violence, abuse and neglect. As paramedics generally assess patients in their home environment, they are in a unique position to witness signs of violence, abuse or neglect hidden from other healthcare workers. The response of ambulance services and paramedics should be to recognise indications of family violence, abuse and neglect, and proactively facilitate referrals for patients to access ongoing care with specialist services. These referrals are essential to assist patients in gaining support to help disrupt the cycle of violence. If the paramedic workforce fails to recognise the indications of family violence, abuse and neglect, or fails to act, it may result in missed opportunities to prevent further harm.
As registered health professionals, paramedics have a responsibility to demonstrate commitment to initiatives that improve the health and safety of their patients. The Professional Capabilities for Registered Paramedics document published by the Board of Paramedicine states that registered paramedics should understand psychological and social factors that influence an individual in health and illness. Therefore, the capability to respond appropriately to patients experiencing family violence, abuse and neglect should fall within the scope of practice for paramedics.
It is the position of the Australasian Council of Paramedicine Deans that paramedics should be provided with comprehensive and meaningful education and training which:
1. Ensures that paramedics have a comprehensive understanding of family violence, abuse and neglect, including why it occurs, how it impacts on patient health, recognition of vulnerable individuals and communities, applicable laws, and both the paramedic and healthcare sector’s response to family violence, abuse and neglect.
2. Enables paramedics to accurately recognise the indications of family violence, abuse and neglect during the course of their work.
3. Builds the confidence of paramedics to communicate their concerns around family violence, abuse and neglect to patients, and engage in therapeutic discussions with patients regarding their rights and referral options.
4. Ensures that paramedics can accurately and safely document patient interactions to facilitate improved recognition and management for patients.
5. Includes specialist training on the needs of diverse populations and communities who experience family violence, abuse and neglect, including indigenous communities, the disabled, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
6. Recognises that paramedic graduates and students may also be in a position of vulnerability, or have personal experience of family violence, abuse or neglect, and includes self-care options and support for individuals.
This position statement was endorsed by the Australasian Council of Paramedicine Deans on February 13th 2020.
