Funding Extended for Two Key Domestic Violence Health Programs
The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN), alongside members of the Hunter Domestic Violence Consortium, has announced funding extensions for two critical domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) health programs: the Supporting Outreach Healthcare Pilot and the Hope in Healing – MRFF Project.
The investment aims to ensure women and children experiencing violence can access health care safely, quickly and close to home.
Supporting Outreach Healthcare Pilot
This pilot delivers multidisciplinary primary care clinics directly into refuge accommodations across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Maitland. Partner organizations include Brightwell Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, NOVA, Warlga Ngurra, Carrie’s Place, and Jenny’s Place.
Hope in Healing – MRFF Project
Funded by the Medical Research Future Fund, this project will establish primary care-based concussion clinics and pathways designed to identify and respond to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in DFSV survivors. The project is led by Dr. Hobden at the University of Newcastle, in partnership with HNECC PHN and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service.
Local screening by Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service found that more than 80% of women, young people, and children who experienced potential head injury did not seek medical care.
Background
HNECC PHN provided seed funding for both initiatives. Federal Members Sharon Claydon and Meryl Swanson advocated for and helped secure Commonwealth funding. The programs are designed to address critical gaps in primary healthcare for DFSV-affected women and children, with a focus on trauma-informed, integrated care and early intervention.
Statements
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon stated that the investment aims to ensure women and children experiencing violence can access health care safely, quickly and close to home.
HNECC PHN CEO Richard Nankervis said the programs demonstrate what is possible when services are designed around real needs, removing barriers and integrating care.
Dr. Breanne Hobden, Research Associate at the University of Newcastle, stated that the research addresses a critical gap in responding to mTBI among DFSV survivors and aims to build a model adoptable nationally.