The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) together with members from the Hunter Domestic Violence (DV) Consortium, have celebrated funding extensions for two innovative domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) health programs—marking a significant step forward in improving access to safe, integrated care for women and children across the region.
At the launch event, the HNECC PHN recognised the investment in the Supporting Outreach Healthcare Pilot and the Hope in Healing – Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Project, both of which were developed through local leadership and designed to address critical gaps in the primary healthcare system.
HNECC PHN has played a leading role in the design and early implementation of both initiatives, including providing seed funding to establish proof-of-concept models that are now being expanded through Commonwealth support and funding.
Playing an integral part securing the funding, Federal Members Sharon Claydon and Meryl Swanson were acknowledged for their ongoing advocacy and support in progressing these important initiatives.
Sharon Claydon MP, Federal Member for Newcastle and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives said, “This investment is about making sure women and children experiencing violence can access the health care they need—safely, quickly and close to where they are.
“These locally driven programs are breaking down barriers and delivering trauma-informed, integrated healthcare.
“I’m proud the Albanese Labor Government is supporting initiatives that not only respond to crisis but focus on early intervention and long-term healing for some of the most vulnerable in our region.”
The Supporting Outreach Healthcare Pilot delivers multidisciplinary primary care clinics directly into refuge accommodation across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland.
Delivered in partnership with Brightwell Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, NOVA, Warlga Ngurra, Carrie’s Place and Jenny’s Place, the model removes key barriers to care—such as safety concerns, cost, transport and system complexity—by meeting women and children in safe, trusted environments.
Originally designed and seed-funded by HNECC PHN, the program demonstrates how integrated, place-based care can respond to the complex and often unmet health needs of those experiencing violence.
Women and children impacted by DFSV frequently experience overlapping physical, mental and developmental health issues. However, mainstream healthcare settings are often not structured to provide the longer, trauma-informed consultations required, resulting in fragmented or delayed care.
This model shifts the focus from crisis response to early intervention and prevention, enabling coordinated care that addresses the full scope of the individual’s health needs.
Speaking at the event, HNECC PHN Chief Executive Officer, Richard Nankervis said, “Domestic, family and sexual violence is one of the most significant and complex drivers of poor health outcomes for women and children in our region.
“These programs demonstrate what is possible when we design services around people’s real needs—removing barriers, integrating care and ensuring support is delivered in safe and trusted environments.
“We are proud to have led the development of these models and to see them now supported through ongoing investment. This is about building a health system that can respond to complexity, intervene earlier and ultimately improve lives impacted by violence.”
The Hope in Healing project—funded through the Medical Research Future Fund—will establish primary care-based concussion clinics and strengthen pathways to identify and respond to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV).
Led by Dr Hobden at the University of Newcastle in partnership with HNECC PHN and Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service, the initiative responds to growing evidence that brain injury is a common but under-recognised consequence of domestic and family violence.
Local screening conducted by Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Service found that more than 80 per cent of women, young people and children who experienced potential head injury did not seek medical care.
Currently, there is no clear, accessible pathway for non-acute concussion care outside of private services, leaving many without support. The Hope in Healing model addresses this gap by providing a publicly funded, trauma-informed pathway for assessment, treatment and ongoing care.
Dr Breanne Hobden, Research Associate, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle and HMRI affiliate said, “This research addresses a critical gap in how we respond to mTBI among survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence. Our goal is to improve outcomes locally while building a robust, evidence-based model that can be adopted nationally.”
The Hope in Healing research program is currently undertaking a Delphi study and co-design process with support of HMRI’s Data Management and Health Informatics team to ensure concussion screening tools and services are appropriate for women impacted by DFSV. This work is designing a trauma-informed concussion clinic that can be integrated with the DFSV service system. The approach aims to improve identification, early intervention and access to coordinated, trauma-informed concussion care.
Together, these initiatives highlight the critical role of locally driven innovation in addressing systemic gaps in healthcare for people experiencing violence.
Domestic, family and sexual violence is a major driver of long-term health inequality, with significant impacts on physical health, mental wellbeing and child development. Despite the high use of health services, the underlying cause of these health issues often goes unrecognised.
By investing in integrated, trauma-informed models of care, HNECC PHN is working to ensure that women and children can access the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
