Culturally and Linguistically Diverse People

Your patient may be able to converse in English, however it is possible that they do not have the specific vocabulary needed to understand the information you provide to them and have a nuanced discussion about DFV. It is also possible that they may not have the literacy to read resources you provide to them in English or in their preferred language.

• If your patient attends appointments with a family or community member as an interpreter, consider whether this is limiting their ability to disclose abuse and take steps to mitigate this. Utilise the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) when a patient needs language support.
• Provide plain English resources in relevant languages wherever possible. Family and Community Services provide information on DFV in community languagesDomestic and family violence factsheets | Family & Community Services (nsw.gov.au)

PRACTICE POINT

It’s always best to use an accredited healthcare interpreter when a patient requires language support. Healthcare interpreters understand the need to be sensitive and maintain confidentiality when a patient is disclosing personal information. Healthcare interpreters also have a greater healthcare vocabulary, to ensure the quality of communication is the best it can be.

Your patient may only see DFV as physical violence only, and not recognise other forms of violence and abuse, or may not recognise physical violence as DFV at all.

• Talk to your patients about the many forms of DFV and their impacts
• Provide materials in the languages that are most accessible for your patients in your waiting room and bathrooms

Helpful Videos

Spoken in Kurdish/Kurmanji with English Subtitles, the following videos may be of value to patients on understanding ADVOs, DFV, Duty of Care and Confidentiality and Healthy, respectful relationships in Australia.

People from CALD communities are more likely to experience violence from multiple people, such as in-laws (Vic GOV, 2021). Being abused and monitored by multiple people makes it more difficult to leave violence or access support.

• Do not make assumptions about what relationships your patient has, and in which relationships DFV is present.
• Direct your patient toward services that can provide support regarding the familial and cultural implications of addressing DFV.

Your patient may not be aware of what rights they hold in Australia, how to realise those rights, or the laws in place to protect them.

• Assert that your patient has the right to feel safe in their own home and community
• Assert that your patient has the right to choose and control their own life. Demonstrate this by engaging in patient centered care
• Refer to appropriate support services where necessary, for example Legal Aid NSW

Systems within Australia may be very different than that of your patient’s place of origin. Consider whether your patient understands that they are eligible for support and protection, what kind of support is available, and how to access that support.

• Direct your patient toward services that can support your patient to navigate DFV and DFV adjacent support systems

Your patients’ experiences may have caused them to develop a fear of authority, such as of police or courts. This may be due to violence, trauma, and harm perpetuated in their country of origin, refugee camps, migration journey, or immigration detention.

• Ensure your patient knows that, except for mandatory reporting requirements, they can access support services without police and courts being involved.
• Allow your patient to choose if, when and how they access authoritative services.

Temporary visa holders face multiple barriers. Your patient’s visa status may also be used as a tool for coercion or control. If your patient is on a partnership visa, they may feel unable to leave their partner due to risk of deportation. If on a temporary visa, your patient may not be able to access support services such as crisis accommodation, financial support, Centrelink, or Medicare.

• Direct your patient toward services that can support them to navigate visa and immigration systems