Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

Recently I visited the Monash University Department of Forensic Medicine, which had received $4.5 million from the government to develop and implement Australia's first accredited training course for health practitioners and frontline workers to improve their responses to sexual violence victims. Participants in the courses that are being run by Monash University will learn how to identify risk factors and respond to disclosures in sensitive and appropriate ways. It's absolutely vital that, when someone discloses an experience of sexual violence, their disclosure is handled appropriately and with care. We believe that, by arming and training healthcare professionals with expertise so that they can understand the signs, the symptoms and the risks that are associated with violence, we can assist many, many more people. I want to take this opportunity to urge anyone who needs support to call 1800RESPECT at any time of the day.