The RACGP has released the 5th edition of the White Book which provides a guideline and recommendations for GP’s to address the complex and systematic abuse of people in intimate partner and family settings, titled ‘Abuse and Violence – Working with our patients in general practice’.
The White Book was developed by general practitioners (GPs) and subject matter experts – in this instance advocates for lived experience survivors – to ensure that the content is the most valuable and useful for health practitioners. The guideline is a practical resource and is based on the best-available current evidence.
The update of the White Book was supported with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and developed in consultation with the WEAVERs project (Women and their children who have Experienced Abuse and ViolEnce: Researchers and advisors).
All chapters in the 5th edition have been updated with new guidance based on the latest evidence. This edition has been expanded to include six new chapters:
- Supporting men who experience intimate partner abuse and violence
- Trauma-informed care in general practice
- Adolescent-to-parent violence
- Dating violence and technology-facilitated abuse
- LGBTQIA+ family abuse and violence
- Intimate partner abuse and violence: Education and training for healthcare professionals
It is the aim of the White Book to further contribute to removing obstacles GP’s face and supporting them in their indispensable role in the health response to domestic abuse and family violence.