Implemented
Who is leading the change
Department of Health and Human Services
The Victorian Government fund research into the prevalence of acquired brain injury among family violence victims and perpetrators.
As part of our approach, a range of stakeholders have been consulted who may have an interest in, or could contribute to, this field of research, such as Brain Injury Australia.
Steps in pursuit of this research involve:
- developing an appropriate governance structure to oversee the research
- consulting with relevant stakeholders and experts to design a research proposal that captures the intent of this recommendation
- putting the research proposal out to market for quote and select a preferred supplier
- contracting the preferred supplier to undertake the research
- better understanding of the injuries and symptoms patients face will aid in proper management and better neurological outcomes
The final report was completed on 31 January, 2018. The report is available from the Centre for Evaluation Research and the Brain Injury Australia website.
The research project identified a strong association between bran injury and family violence. For example the study found that 40% of family violence victims admitted to hospital in Victoria over the past decade suffered brain injuries and that females of all ages and children and people identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander were over represented in family violence cases attending Victorian hospitals. However, those identified in this study are only the tip of the iceberg with many thousands of women and children living with unknown, undetected, undiagnosed and untreated brain injury. Perpetrators of intimate partner violence are twice as likely to have sustained a brain injury.
The report makes a number of recommendations including an integrated family service system that allows people to be screened for an acquired brain injury and then referred to specialist services for treatment and support. The final report was launched by Rosie Batty at a forum held at the Melbourne Town Hall on 1 May 2018. The Forum was well attended by academic, community sector organisations and government. The recommendations for the report will be useful for the range of reform work undertaken by the Victorian Government in particular the Support and Safety Hub initiatives.
- Implemented.
Updated