13 October 1989
All general practitioners in Australia will receive a pamphlet on domestic violence in the next week to assist them to help victims of violence.
The pamphlet, produced as part of the National Domestic violence Education Program, has been issued jointly by the office of the Status of women and the Australian Medical Association.
The Government, which has a strong and continuing commitment to community education on domestic violence, and the AMA are pleased to be cooperating to make domestic violence a high priority for doctors and look forward to further cooperation in the area.
The widespread and deep-rooted problem of domestic violence in the Australian community is a matter for national concern. Many of the women who suffer domestic violence keep silent even to their doctor about the cause of their injuries.
This pamphlet contains the basic facts and crisis information on domestic violence. It will assist doctors to help victims of violence.
Bob Hawke
Dr Bryce Phillips