{"id":23865,"date":"2024-03-18T09:19:18","date_gmt":"2024-03-18T01:19:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=media-release&p=23865"},"modified":"2024-03-18T09:19:20","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T01:19:20","slug":"improving-care-for-lgbtiqa-individuals-experiencing-intimate-partner-violence","status":"publish","type":"media-release","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/media-release\/improving-care-for-lgbtiqa-individuals-experiencing-intimate-partner-violence\/","title":{"rendered":"Improving care for LGBTIQA+ individuals experiencing intimate partner violence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

New Curtin University research, in collaboration with WAAC (formerly the WA AIDS Council), is putting the spotlight on the significant challenges and barriers faced by LGBTIQA+ individuals experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) in accessing primary care in Western Australia, calling for greater improvements to ensure services are more inclusive and responsive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research encompassed a comprehensive state-wide survey and in-depth consultations with LGBTIQA+ individuals and primary care providers and included the creation of educational materials aimed at increasing awareness of IPV and equipping primary care providers with the tools needed to offer appropriate support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chief investigator Dr Roanna Lobo, from Curtin\u2019s School of Population Health, said the study revealed a critical need for the development of more understanding primary care to ensure LGBTIQA+ individuals experiencing IPV receive the support they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur research shows more than half of the LGBTIQA+ participants reported experiencing forms of abuse in their intimate relationships, with many struggling to seek help due to fears of judgement and a lack of understanding within primary care settings, while providers revealed a lack of confidence in recognising IPV in LGBTIQA+ clients and expressed a desire to give better support,\u201d Dr Lobo said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur findings highlight a disturbing gap in our primary care system that fails to provide safe, affirming and effective care for LGBTIQA+ individuals facing IPV. It\u2019s imperative that we bridge this divide by integrating comprehensive education into primary care settings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participant quotes:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI did try and call up one place, it was a very brief call that stopped me from trying to call other places that, from my voice alone, they went, \u2018We\u2019re not for you\u2019.\u201d – Transgender Man, Bisexual, 26<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have to go through the emotional labour of educating a practitioner about issues that seem to be extremely basic LGBTIQA+ issues\u2026 I\u2019ve come here for a service and now I\u2019m being treated like I\u2019m some kind of novelty specimen.\u201d – Non-Binary, Lesbian, 35<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Co-investigator Dr Jack Farrugia, from Curtin\u2019s School of Population Health, said IPV is a significant public health concern, particularly affecting LGBTIQA+ individuals, families and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrimary care settings must be capable of responding in an appropriate way to avoid further compounding harm to individuals in crisis,\u201d Dr Farrugia said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis research will help guide the development of services, interventions and further resources to facilitate early help-seeking, recognise individuals in crisis situations and enhance psychosocial well-being.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u2018Safer Options\u2019<\/a> study recommends the development of clear guidelines for primary care services to address IPV as experienced within LGBTIQA+ relationships, the adaption of existing resources to be more inclusive and the establishment of a referral directory for LGBTIQA+ friendly primary care services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key findings:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n