Gender-based violence has reached epidemic levels in Australia, with 1 in 3 women having experienced physical violence, 1 in 5 women having experienced sexual violence since age 15, and 1 in 2 women having experienced technology-facilitated abuse at least once in their lifetime. Responses to gender-based violence require a coordinated, multidisciplinary response that extends from recognition and reporting within a trauma- informed framework, forensic and justice responses to community-based care.
This symposium will begin with a forensic perspective on family and domestic violence and technology-facilitated sexual assault, delivered by a Forensic Medicine Physician, Dr Janine Rowse. Dr Rowse will discuss experience from the frontline, case presentation, forensic examination and the rapid emergence of technology-facilitated offline sexual assault following online app-based contact.
Professor Cassandra Szoeke, Neurologist and Consultant Physician, will discuss the profound physical, psychological and behavioural consequences of gender-based violence. These include not only the acute and long-term mental health and cognitive effects, but also the development of chronic conditions such as chronic pain syndromes and cardiovascular risks, which are additional to the existing health burden women experience. The need for early intervention, prevention strategies, and tailored care will be highlighted.
Dr Julie Stevens, Pharmacist and Academic, will focus on the potential role of community pharmacists, as accessible healthcare professionals, in responding to gender-based violence via identifying signs of abuse, providing supportive care and facilitating safe referral pathways. Findings from a community survey on public perceptions of pharmacists’ roles in addressing gender-based violence will be presented, highlighting opportunities to strengthen integrated care responses.