Australia-wide release on the way for domestic violence toolkit
17 Sep 2025
More than one in four Australian women have experienced family and domestic violence (FDV) since the age of 15, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). For many, their GP is the first person they tell.
One resource designed to help is Yourtoolkit, a free web-based guide originally launched in Western Australia in 2019. The website, which was recommended early on as a useful tool for GPs, is now preparing to expand nationally.
Dr Wei-May Su, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Abuse and Violence in Families, said the site has become a much stronger and more practical resource over time.
‘It’s a really well-designed, pragmatic website, with excellent advice for people trying to change their situation or leave safely,’ she told newsGP.
Yourtoolkit provides step-by-step information on personal safety, referral services, money management, coercive control self-assessment, and legal advice. It is available in 10 languages and was created in collaboration with both survivors of abuse and professionals who support them.
The website’s support service directory currently lists mostly WA-based services, though 65% of users come from outside the state. Chair of Yourtoolkit.com, Elisa Fear, said work is underway to include services from every state and territory by May 2026, or earlier if possible.
‘We know it’s of value to the GP community,’ Ms Fear said.
The AIHW reports that women are at the highest risk of violence when leaving a relationship. With this in mind, the toolkit includes detailed advice on preparation and safety planning, which Dr Su said is also helpful for GPs supporting patients.
‘It gives really practical guidance for people planning to leave, and also helps GPs feel more confident about offering the right advice in those situations,’ she said.
Source: newsGP
