Domestic violence can take many forms, some readily identifiable (e.g. physical violence) and some are less visible (e.g. psychological, social, financial and sexual).  65 % of physical child abuse and 75% of physical domestic violence results in injuries to the head, neck and/or mouth (ADA Dental Health Foundation). Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of sex, age, sexual orientation, culture, education, occupation, or socioeconomic status. It can impact on the health and wellbeing of an individual and can cause deep trauma, illness, disability, financial distress, social isolation and drive homelessness.
Practitioners have a general duty to support all patients including victims of domestic violence by providing appropriate dental care, information and/or opportunity to access appropriate services, and to provide reports or other documentation (such as clinical records) if requested by the patient or their legal representative or courts. Requests for records should be made in writing and reflect consent to release.
Mandatory Reporting Obligations
Dental Practitioners have a legislative requirement to report suspected child abuse and neglect.
It mainly relates to children (0-18) but can also relate to adults if the person involved is living in a residential service. In each state and territory, all serious concerns should be reported by phone rather than online or via email. Serious concerns include when you suspect a child or young person is in imminent or immediate danger of serious harm, serious injury or chronic neglect.
https://www.1800respect.org.au/resources-and-tools/reporting-and-protection/mandatory-reporting
Record Keeping
Practitioners are reminded to keep accurate and detailed records about the presentation and their treatment of patients.
Privacy
Practitioners are reminded of their obligations to maintain patient confidentiality and privacy. In the context of domestic violence or abuse this can relate to not disclosing appointment times to family members or partners.
Resources for Practitioners
ADA policy statement 2.12 – Abuse and violence victims and dentistry:
https://ada.org.au/policy-statement-2-12-abuse-and-violence-victims-and-dentistry
The Australian Dental Health Foundation has resources to inform and guide dental professionals on how to both respond to and treat patients who have been impacted by trauma: https://adadhf.org.au/resources
Resources for Adult Patients
Patients should be reminded to contact 000 if they are in a situation where they have immediate concerns about their safety.
Police:
https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/domestic_and_family_violence/how_can_police_help
National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service
(also support, resources and service locator)
https://www.1800respect.org.au
1800 737 732
Practitioners who have additional concerns are encouraged to contact Advisory Services and speak to a Peer Advisor: advisory@adansw.com.au or call 02 8436 9944.
Disclaimer:Â This is one of a series of Advisory Services information sheets created by ADA NSW. They are intended as general guides that highlight key pieces of information frequently requested. They do not set out to provide comprehensive information about a topic and they are not legal advice. Please be mindful that information provided in these resources can change after the publication date.
