Sally (not her real name) says her doctor knew she was in a violent domestic relationship before she herself was willing to recognise it.
"There [were] a lot of red flags that are quite textbook," she said.
"She was trying to bring up my emotions.
"But she never once pushed me and I really want to state that, that's really important."
Eventually, during a regular doctor appointment, the NSW Central Coast mother came armed with a two-page report outlining problems at home.
"I just felt comfortable reaching out to her," she said.
"She just nurtured me, slowly educated me."
She said the continuous support of her doctor, Colette Hourigan, helped her break free.
Pilot programs training GPs
Sally already worked in the health industry.
Now, she and Dr Hourigan have teamed up to improve the way primary healthcare providers help patients who are experiencing domestic violence.
Pilot programs funded by the federal government through six Primary Health Networks, including the Hunter New England and Central Coast, have been running since mid-2021.
At least 800 doctors, nurses, admin staff, and allied health professionals have participated in the training nationally.
"We can actually do a lot better in general practice in terms of supporting these women," Dr Hourigan said.
"It's unfortunate that women, because they've been abused, humiliated, undermined by their partners, are not confident in coming out and saying: 'Look, I'm having problems at home'."
Some of those warning signs are depression and anxiety symptoms, bruises, chronic pain, and reproductive problems.
Asking more personal questions
"It's up to the GP and the practice nurse to actually ask that woman a simple question … 'How are things in your relationship?'" Dr Hourigan said.
"We find that no-one is ever offended by being asked the question."
Professor of Family Violence Prevention at The University of Melbourne and Royal Women's Hospital Kelsey Hegarty found in her research that women were more likely to disclose if their doctor sensitively inquired.
She has also estimated full-time GPs saw up to five women per week who had recently experienced domestic and/or family violence.
Some of the pilot programs have adopted training developed by the Safer Families Centre of Research Excellence, led by Professor Hegarty.
"Women survivors are going to general practice — they're not always being identified," Professor Hegarty said.
"Only a small percentage are, so we're obviously trying to change that.
"We teach [GPs] how to respond so that it's a supportive response."
The pilot programs are funded until June.
