NSW Health defines Domestic Violence (DV) as “Violent, abusive or intimidating behaviour carried out by an adult against a partner or former partner to control and dominate that person.”
Domestic violence causes fear, physical and/or psychological harm. It is most often violent, abusive or intimidating behaviour by a man against a woman.
Living with domestic violence has a profound effect upon children and young people and may constitute a form of child abuse.
The Mid North Coast Local Health District Domestic Violence Program includes :
- NSW Health Domestic Violence Policy implementation
- DV screening of women in services including Antenatal /Maternity and Early Childhood services and women over the age of 16 in Drug and Alcohol and Mental Health services
- Domestic violence screening training for MNCLHD staff
- Victims of Crime policy implementation.
MNCLHD provides various support for staff with domestic violence-related issues or domestic violence training needs through the Women’s Health and Domestic Violence Coordinator based at Port Macquarie Community Health Centre.
Victims of domestic violence are provided with counselling, advocacy and referral through different service groups and access points within the health service including Emergency Departments, Social Work departments, Maternity, Drug & Alcohol, Mental Health, Women’s Health, Child Protection and Child and Family Health Nursing and Counselling Services.
Women’s and Children Refuges are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the following regions:
Services available at these locations
Phone 02 6652 4000
Phone 02 6562 8411
Phone 02 6583 2155