Victims of domestic and family violence are to be given easier access to NSW public hospitals for the treatment of their injuries.
The Department of Communities and Justice said the State’s hospital fees policy had been changed so Medicare ineligible victims of domestic and family violence (DFV), like those on Temporary Protection Visas, were no longer required to report the crime to police in order to access public hospitals at no cost.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Mark Speakman said the change followed a report from the Australian Institute of Criminology which found DFV had risen during the pandemic, but a large proportion of victims were not reporting it to police.
“Many women will choose to contact the Domestic Violence Line, specialist frontline domestic violence services or medical care before they’re ready to report to police for a range of reasons, including fear of repercussions,” Mr Speakman said.
“Those suffering domestic violence need every lifeline we can give them, especially now when COVID-19 measures are potentially forcing victim-survivors into isolation in the same household as the perpetrators of their abuse,” he said.
Mr Speakmand said the reform was focused on removing obstacles for especially vulnerable victim-survivors to ensure immediate medical support was available and accessible when needed most.
Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard said it was vital people facing violence at home felt safe to seek support and care in NSW public hospitals, without fear of reprisal from perpetrators.
