Family violence reforms in Victoria have led to significant changes in information sharing practices, which challenge the traditional views about the primacy of privacy in healthcare.
This is an important ethical discussion for mental healthcare professionals, who work in services that often come into contact with people who are affected by family violence.
The challenge of balancing privacy and safety in mental healthcare has been reflected in recent legislative and policy changes. These changes have a bearing on how mental healthcare professionals should weigh these competing responsibilities and how we can provide a proactive response to enhance the safety of those facing family violence within our community.
Kathy Sougias, Family Violence Clinical and Project Lead for the Monash Health Mental Health Program; Dr Izaak Lim, Clinical Academic Perinatal and Child Psychiatrist in the Monash Early in Life Mental Health Service and Monash University Department of Psychiatry; and Dr Sabin Fernbacher, a Family Violence Policy Consultant and Adjunct Lecturer in the Monash University Department collaborated to co-author ‘Safety over privacy: Family violence, information sharing and mental health care’. The article uses case studies to illustrate the different applications of the new family violence risk frameworks in relation to information sharing.
We will release a read-only version of the article shortly.
You can read more information about Family Violence and Child Information Sharing Schemes in the Information Sheet.
Supporting those impacted by family violence
Our family violence policy is in place to reinforce our commitment to providing high-quality care and support to those impacted by family violence.
Our response to family violence is guided by principles that include a focus on a person’s safety and wellbeing and that of their family. We provide a collaborative approach to family violence, given the complexities of the issues. We work with experienced and skilled agencies, and in partnership with our community to be proactive and systemic in our response to family violence.
For more information
If you have questions on the information sharing processes, please contact us at ISS@monashhealth.org and for other family violence enquiries please contact familyviolenceeducation@monashhealth.org
If you have been personally impacted by family violence, we provide a safe space and support for employees. This includes:
- confidential counselling through the Employee Assistance Program (1300 338 465)
- family violence leave
- flexible work options
Your manager or supervisor is also available to support you and discuss your options, including family violence leave, or you can contact your People and Culture Business Partner via the advice line on (03) 9265 2724.
If you require any further information related to the article, please email: Kathy.Sougias@monashhealth.org.
Approved by: Katrina Nankervis/Jo Begbie