Joint push in domestic violence toolkit

GEELONG health services have joined forces for a toolkit aimed at developing clearer and more effective messaging to reduce family violence.

G21 chief executive officer Elaine Carbines said the toolkit would help health professionals communicate the complex topic in a clear and easy-to-understand way.

“The important role that gender equality in our community can play in preventing violence against women is a central theme of the toolkit,” she said.

The regional health services behind the kit are Barwon Health, Bellarine Community Health, Colac Area Health, the G21 Health and Wellbeing Pillar and Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West.

The kit’s public release coincides with International Women’s Day 2020.

“The toolkit is flexible enough for use by workplace managers, community leaders and communications professionals,” Ms Carbines said.

“It focuses on seven key messages about violence against women, showing how to communicate about them in everyday language.

“It also explains the various forms of violence, the health impacts and ways to prevent violence.”

The toolkit focuses on key messages, including that violence against women is a health problem that is never acceptable.

“The region’s health workers know that violence against women is an issue clouded by myths and misconceptions,” Ms Carbines said.

“That’s why in order to reduce its prevalence and impact, better community understanding is needed.”

The toolkit will be released on March 8.