New Primary Care Study Aims to Support Women Facing Family Violence
The Women’s Emotional Well-Being (WEB) Project, led by the Safer Families Centre at The University of Melbourne, is a three-year Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) evaluating a novel system of care for women affected by violence. The study seeks to assess the health impact, implementation, and economic effectiveness of this new approach compared to standard care.
Domestic and family violence is a significant health issue for women in Victoria, and with many women turning to general practitioners (GPs) or primary care nurses for help, the WEB Project aims to strengthen the role of these services in improving women’s safety and wellbeing. “GPs are often the first to be told about domestic and family violence or to recognise the signs of someone at risk”, says lead researcher and GP Professor Kelsey Hegarty. “Women participating in the WEB project will be offered a fully funded appointment for a family safety assessment plan, connected to a DFV specialist and a referral for six consultations with a peer care navigator over a six-month period.”
Recruitment is currently open for general practice clinics in Melbourne’s North and West regions as part of Stage 1 of the project. In 2026, Stages 2 and 3 will extend recruitment to selected rural areas of Victoria.
The study will involve women attending participating GP clinics who disclose experiencing fear or harm due to a partner or family member’s behaviour.
General practices interested in joining the study or learning more about participation criteria and incentives are encouraged to contact Kitty Novy on (03) 8344 4538 or via email at knovy@unimelb.edu.au. Further information is available via the project website www.saferfamilies.org.au/web-project.