Navigating the sensitive topic of violence, abuse, and neglect in clinical practice can be challenging for GPs, especially when there's concern about causing further harm to survivors. In this insightful podcast, we explore practical strategies to help GPs build confidence in addressing these critical issues.

Listen in as we discuss:

• Common barriers GPs face, such as fear of triggering patients, lack of confidence, and navigating referral pathways.

• The importance of fostering trust and reducing shame through compassionate, patient-centred responses.

• Real-world case studies, top tips, and expert insights on how to respond effectively and create a safe, supportive space for patients.

• Practical tools and clear referral pathways to empower GPs in their role as frontline responders to violence and abuse.

By the end of this episode, GPs will be better equipped to handle disclosures of violence, abuse, and neglect, ensuring they provide the best care and support to those in need.

Resources:

STI guidelines (ASA) link - https://sti.guidelines.org.au/populations-and-situations/adult-sexual-assault/

ITIC framework link - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/patients/trauma/Publications/itic-framework.pdf

RACGP AJGP article 'They made a hard day feel a little easier' - https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2025/march/they-made-a-hard-day-feel-a-little-easier

VAN Health Pathways: Violence, Abuse and Neglect HealthPathways are available from South West Sydney Primary Health Network as the VAN Lead Region PHN, including:

• Domestic and Family Violence

• Adult Strangulation

• Adult Sexual Assault

• Physical Assault and Injury Recording

Link to the log-in HealthPathways page: https://sws.communityhealthpathways.org/welcome?returnUrl=%2f?

In this episode, we explore the changing landscape of nicotine dependence and discuss cessation, focusing on practical strategies for GPs to support their patients in quitting smoking and vaping or other forms of nicotine.

We discuss recent legislative changes, the latest evidence-based treatment options, and the importance of patient-centred communication.

Our expert guests include:

• Professor Rowen Ivers – GP, public health physician, and member of the RACGP Expert Advisory Group on Tobacco

• Vanessa McLean – NSW Quitline Supervisor and experienced counsellor

• Facilitated by Carolyn Murray – Director, Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Strategy, NSW Health

Trigger Warning:

This episode contains discussions about nicotine dependence, withdrawal, and quitting, including references to mental health struggles, suicides, and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to Lifeline (13 11 14) or Quitline (13 7948).

Key Discussion Points:

1. Understanding the policy and legislative environment

2. Effective conversations about nicotine dependence

3. Evidenced-based treatment options

4. The role of Quitline and referral pathways

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• RACGP Supporting smoking cessation: A guide for health professionals - https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/supporting-smoking-cessation

• ICanQuit NSW Government website - https://www.icanquit.com.au/

• Quitline PAVE app - https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/So_5Clx1rOT1XjRGCGfVTzZYUN?domain=cancer.nsw.gov.au

Download it for Apple devices - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/pave/id6737787436

Get it on Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.cinsw.vayp&pli=1

• NSW Health Guide to Support Young People to Quit E-Cigarettes - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarette-young-people-guide.aspx

• NSW Health Vaping toolkit - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/vaping.aspx

• Therapeutic Goods Administration Vaping hub - https://www.tga.gov.au/products/unapproved-therapeutic-goods/vaping-hub

Listen to this podcast series to learn more about the ACT’s real time prescription monitoring system ‘Canberra Script’ and how embedding this important system into your workflow can lead to better patient health outcomes.

www.canberrascript.act.gov.au

Technical IT support: [email protected] or 1800 776 633

General support: [email protected] or 02 5124 9208

Support Services

- Painaustralia Pain Services Directory (https://www.painaustralia.org.au/pain-services-directory/pain-directory)

- Painaustralia’s Support Groups and Help Lines (https://www.painaustralia.org.au/find-support/care-in-community-1/painaustralia-support-groups-help-lines)

- Opioid medicines and pain | healthdirect (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/opioids)

- Medicines Line (1300 MEDICINE) - NPS MedicineWise (https://www.nps.org.au/about-us/services/knowledge-transfer/medicines-line-1300-medicine)

- Prescription opioids | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (https://www.tga.gov.au/hubs/prescription-opioids)

- ACT Health Alcohol and Drug Services (https://www.health.act.gov.au/services/alcohol-and-drug-services)

- ACT Mental Health Services (https://www.health.act.gov.au/services/mental-health)

- Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (https://www.cahma.org.au/about.html)

- Capital Health Network | For Health Professionals - HealthPathways (chnact.org.au)(https://www.chnact.org.au/for-health-professionals/healthpathways/)

Listen to this podcast series to learn more about the ACT’s real time prescription monitoring system ‘Canberra Script’ and how embedding this important system into your workflow can lead to better patient health outcomes.

www.canberrascript.act.gov.au

Technical IT support: [email protected] or 1800 776 633

General support: [email protected] or 02 5124 9208

Support Services

- Painaustralia Pain Services Directory (https://www.painaustralia.org.au/pain-services-directory/pain-directory)

- Painaustralia’s Support Groups and Help Lines (https://www.painaustralia.org.au/find-support/care-in-community-1/painaustralia-support-groups-help-lines)

- Opioid medicines and pain | healthdirect (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/opioids)

- Medicines Line (1300 MEDICINE) - NPS MedicineWise (https://www.nps.org.au/about-us/services/knowledge-transfer/medicines-line-1300-medicine)

- Prescription opioids | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (https://www.tga.gov.au/hubs/prescription-opioids)

- ACT Health Alcohol and Drug Services (https://www.health.act.gov.au/services/alcohol-and-drug-services)

- ACT Mental Health Services (https://www.health.act.gov.au/services/mental-health)

- Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (https://www.cahma.org.au/about.html)

- Capital Health Network | For Health Professionals - HealthPathways (chnact.org.au)(https://www.chnact.org.au/for-health-professionals/healthpathways/)

Listen to this podcast series to learn more about the ACT’s real time prescription monitoring system ‘Canberra Script’ and how embedding this important system into your workflow can lead to better patient health outcomes.

www.canberrascript.act.gov.au

Technical IT support: [email protected] or 1800 776 633

General support: [email protected] or 02 5124 9208

Support Services

- Painaustralia Pain Services Directory (https://www.painaustralia.org.au/pain-services-directory/pain-directory)

- Painaustralia’s Support Groups and Help Lines (https://www.painaustralia.org.au/find-support/care-in-community-1/painaustralia-support-groups-help-lines)

- Opioid medicines and pain | healthdirect (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/opioids)

- Medicines Line (1300 MEDICINE) - NPS MedicineWise (https://www.nps.org.au/about-us/services/knowledge-transfer/medicines-line-1300-medicine)

- Prescription opioids | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (https://www.tga.gov.au/hubs/prescription-opioids)

- ACT Health Alcohol and Drug Services (https://www.health.act.gov.au/services/alcohol-and-drug-services)

- ACT Mental Health Services (https://www.health.act.gov.au/services/mental-health)

- Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (https://www.cahma.org.au/about.html)

- Capital Health Network | For Health Professionals - HealthPathways (chnact.org.au)(https://www.chnact.org.au/for-health-professionals/healthpathways/)

Listen to this podcast series to learn more about the ACT’s real time prescription monitoring system ‘Canberra Script’ and how embedding this important system into your workflow can lead to better patient health outcomes.

www.canberrascript.act.gov.au

Technical IT support: [email protected] or 1800 776 633

General support: [email protected] or 02 5124 9208

Support Services

- Painaustralia Pain Services Directory (https://www.painaustralia.org.au/pain-services-directory/pain-directory)

- Painaustralia’s Support Groups and Help Lines (https://www.painaustralia.org.au/find-support/care-in-community-1/painaustralia-support-groups-help-lines)

- Opioid medicines and pain | healthdirect (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/opioids)

- Medicines Line (1300 MEDICINE) - NPS MedicineWise (https://www.nps.org.au/about-us/services/knowledge-transfer/medicines-line-1300-medicine)

- Prescription opioids | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (https://www.tga.gov.au/hubs/prescription-opioids)

- ACT Health Alcohol and Drug Services (https://www.health.act.gov.au/services/alcohol-and-drug-services)

- ACT Mental Health Services (https://www.health.act.gov.au/services/mental-health)

- Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy (https://www.cahma.org.au/about.html)

- Capital Health Network | For Health Professionals - HealthPathways (chnact.org.au)(https://www.chnact.org.au/for-health-professionals/healthpathways/)

Listen to this podcast series to learn more about the ACT’s real time prescription monitoring system ‘Canberra Script’ and how embedding this important system into your workflow can lead to better patient health outcomes.

Footnotes:

www.canberrascript.act.gov.au

Technical IT support: [email protected] or 1800 776 633

General support: [email protected] or 02 5124 9208

Support Services

- Painaustralia Pain Services Directory

- Painaustralia’s Support Groups and Help Lines

- Opioid medicines and pain | healthdirect

- Medicines Line (1300 MEDICINE) - NPS MedicineWise

- Prescription opioids | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

- ACT Health Alcohol and Drug Services

- ACT Mental Health Services

- Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy

- Capital Health Network | For Health Professionals - HealthPathways (chnact.org.au)

Listen to this podcast series to learn more about the ACT’s real time prescription monitoring system ‘Canberra Script’ and how embedding this important system into your workflow can lead to better patient health outcomes.

Footnotes:

www.canberrascript.act.gov.au

Technical IT support: [email protected] or 1800 776 633

General support: [email protected] or 02 5124 9208

Support Services

- Painaustralia Pain Services Directory

- Painaustralia’s Support Groups and Help Lines

- Opioid medicines and pain | healthdirect

- Medicines Line (1300 MEDICINE) - NPS MedicineWise

- Prescription opioids | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

- ACT Health Alcohol and Drug Services

- ACT Mental Health Services

- Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy

- Capital Health Network | For Health Professionals - HealthPathways (chnact.org.au)

Listen to this podcast series to learn more about the ACT’s real time prescription monitoring system ‘Canberra Script’ and how embedding this important system into your workflow can lead to better patient health outcomes.

Footnotes:

www.canberrascript.act.gov.au

Technical IT support: [email protected] or 1800 776 633

General support: [email protected] or 02 5124 9208

Support Services

- Painaustralia Pain Services Directory

- Painaustralia’s Support Groups and Help Lines

- Opioid medicines and pain | healthdirect

- Medicines Line (1300 MEDICINE) - NPS MedicineWise

- Prescription opioids | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

- ACT Health Alcohol and Drug Services

- ACT Mental Health Services

- Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy

- Capital Health Network | For Health Professionals - HealthPathways (chnact.org.au)

Listen to this podcast series to learn more about the ACT’s real time prescription monitoring system ‘Canberra Script’ and how embedding this important system into your workflow can lead to better patient health outcomes.

Footnotes:

www.canberrascript.act.gov.au

Technical IT support: [email protected] or 1800 776 633

General support: [email protected] or 02 5124 9208

Support Services

- Painaustralia Pain Services Directory

- Painaustralia’s Support Groups and Help Lines

- Opioid medicines and pain | healthdirect

- Medicines Line (1300 MEDICINE) - NPS MedicineWise

- Prescription opioids | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

- ACT Health Alcohol and Drug Services

- ACT Mental Health Services

- Canberra Alliance for Harm Minimisation and Advocacy

- Capital Health Network | For Health Professionals - HealthPathways (chnact.org.au)