Domestic Violence Routine Screening Implementation Evaluation Review

The review led by Dr Sophie Isobel from the University of Sydney was supported by the active engagement and participation of Aboriginal Health Workers and managers throughout the review's planning and implementation. Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Services (AMIHS), Aboriginal Child and Family Teams and Aboriginal Health Workers at participating sites all proactively contibuted to the review. Aboriginal Health Workers are employed across sites and services and provide culturally-sensitive care to Aboriginal people accessing mainstream services, including conducting DVRS. The project has produced valuable evidence on workforce capability and findings indicate that support for staff must occur in a context of recognition of Aboriginal knowledge, cultural safety and increased system-wide shifts towards trauma-informed ways of being. This includes acknowledging the existing practices undertaken by Aboriginal Health Workers who work constantly to promote safety and trust with Aboriginal women within mainstream health services.