Non Lethal Strangulation: an Integrated Hospital and Community Response to Crisis and Aftercare
Tracks
Ballroom 1
| Tuesday, November 28, 2023 |
| 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM |
Overview
Stacey Lees, Mater Health Services & Jo Villa, Micah Projects, Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS)
Speaker
Mrs Stacey Lees
Social Worker
Mater Health Services
Non Lethal Strangulation: an Integrated Hospital and Community Response to Crisis and Aftercare
Abstract
In 2016 the Qld Government amended legislation making non-lethal strangulation (NLS) a stand-alone criminal offence. This stemmed from recognition that NLS is a known pre-curser to homicide. Strangled victim-survivors do not always disclose NLS unless directly asked and immediate signs of injury don’t always present, however, the internal harm can be significant including risk of stroke and permanent disability. It’s also a psychologically terrifying method of exerting control
At the Mater Hospital, in South Brisbane we saw the unmet need for a streamlined and comprehensive approach to patients presenting to the Emergency Department post NLS. Successfully applying for funding, Social Work developed and led a strangulation Aftercare Pathway inclusive of thorough assessment, medical treatment, psychosocial care, future risk assessment, planned follow up and comprehensive referrals to community services for holistic care.
The pathway engaged Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS) as the expert local crisis support service, allowing for a shared and multilevel approach to our patients. BDVS are able to provide a critical response in the Emergency Department and offer assistance as required for a safe and effective discharge plan.
We also further involved collaboration with allied health partnerships i.e., speech pathology and physiotherapy addressing symptoms of voice and hearing changes. Emergency Department Consultants developed a NLS algorithm to assist medical staff comprehensively assess with a strong focus on documentation to assist in future legal recourse for victim-survivors. A feature of the pathway is a patient discharge information sheet, medical escalation guideline and a 72-hour post event check in to ensure symptom resolution and continuity of care.
The NLS Aftercare Pathway is an innovative example of a health professional collaboration. Medical, allied health and specialist DFV sector engagement fulfilling an unmet need at the lethal end of DFV risk management and contributing to important state driven reform agendas.
At the Mater Hospital, in South Brisbane we saw the unmet need for a streamlined and comprehensive approach to patients presenting to the Emergency Department post NLS. Successfully applying for funding, Social Work developed and led a strangulation Aftercare Pathway inclusive of thorough assessment, medical treatment, psychosocial care, future risk assessment, planned follow up and comprehensive referrals to community services for holistic care.
The pathway engaged Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS) as the expert local crisis support service, allowing for a shared and multilevel approach to our patients. BDVS are able to provide a critical response in the Emergency Department and offer assistance as required for a safe and effective discharge plan.
We also further involved collaboration with allied health partnerships i.e., speech pathology and physiotherapy addressing symptoms of voice and hearing changes. Emergency Department Consultants developed a NLS algorithm to assist medical staff comprehensively assess with a strong focus on documentation to assist in future legal recourse for victim-survivors. A feature of the pathway is a patient discharge information sheet, medical escalation guideline and a 72-hour post event check in to ensure symptom resolution and continuity of care.
The NLS Aftercare Pathway is an innovative example of a health professional collaboration. Medical, allied health and specialist DFV sector engagement fulfilling an unmet need at the lethal end of DFV risk management and contributing to important state driven reform agendas.
Biography
Stacey Lees holds a Bachelor of Social Work with Honours and has over 15 years experience in the hospital/healthcare setting. Working predominantly in the busy Emergency Department, Stacey has developed a strong interest in working with victims/survivors of Domestic and Family Violence. Over the past 18 months, Stacey has combined her clinical practice with Project work to develop DFV education sessions for staff and has implemented workplace procedures to support ED staff to respond to DFV presentations. Additionally, Stacey has developed a Strangulation Aftercare Pathway and continues to work passionately and collaboratively in this area.
Mrs Jo Villa
Team Leader
Micah Projects - Brisbane Domestic Violence Service
Non Lethal Strangulation: an Integrated Hospital and Community Response to Crisis and Aftercare
Abstract
In 2016 the Qld Government amended legislation making non-lethal strangulation (NLS) a stand-alone criminal offence. This stemmed from recognition that NLS is a known pre-curser to homicide. Strangled victim-survivors do not always disclose NLS unless directly asked and immediate signs of injury don’t always present, however, the internal harm can be significant including risk of stroke and permanent disability. It’s also a psychologically terrifying method of exerting control
At the Mater Hospital, in South Brisbane we saw the unmet need for a streamlined and comprehensive approach to patients presenting to the Emergency Department post NLS. Successfully applying for funding, Social Work developed and led a strangulation Aftercare Pathway inclusive of thorough assessment, medical treatment, psychosocial care, future risk assessment, planned follow up and comprehensive referrals to community services for holistic care.
At the Mater Hospital, in South Brisbane we saw the unmet need for a streamlined and comprehensive approach to patients presenting to the Emergency Department post NLS. Successfully applying for funding, Social Work developed and led a strangulation Aftercare Pathway inclusive of thorough assessment, medical treatment, psychosocial care, future risk assessment, planned follow up and comprehensive referrals to community services for holistic care.
Biography
Jo Villa has over 30 years experience in the community sector. Jo is currently a Team Leader with Brisbane Domestic Violence Service. Jo has worked as a woman’s advocate within a women’s counselling team and in a Men’s Behaviour Education and Intervention Program. Prior to 2021, I worked in NSW with Barnardos Australia for over 15 years, a manager in foster care and family support. Jo has worked with Legal Aid NSW in Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services as a Safety Action Co-ordinator, leading the multi agency approach to women identified at serious threat.
