Victoria Launches Landmark Report on Women’s Pain
09 Nov 2025
Launched in 2024, the Inquiry provided Victorian girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals with an opportunity to share their experiences related to pain and healthcare.
Over a period of eight months, more than 13,000 participants—including patients, carers, and healthcare professionals—shared their insights through surveys, written submissions, and focus groups attended by over 300 people.
Key findings from the report include:
- 90% of respondents reported experiencing pain that lasted longer than a year.
- 54% of participants live with pain on a daily basis.
- Pain affects multiple areas of life, such as mental health, relationships, work, education, and everyday activities.
Participants identified several major challenges in the healthcare system, such as gender bias, stigma, stereotyping, a lack of specialist knowledge, and experiences of being dismissed or gaslit.
Access challenges, such as costs, long waiting times, and complex systems to navigate, were also highlighted.
The Inquiry has produced 27 recommendations across seven key areas aimed at improving care and services for Victorian girls and women who experience pain:
- Women’s health research
- Strengthening policies
- Training and professional development
- Cultural change and public awareness
- Models of care
- Workforce development
- Affordable and accessible healthcare
The Department of Health expressed gratitude to all participants for sharing their experiences and noted that the Inquiry’s findings could mark a significant moment for women’s health in Victoria, potentially leading to lasting systemic improvements.
Source: Victorian Department of Health and Safer Care Victoria
Over a period of eight months, more than 13,000 participants—including patients, carers, and healthcare professionals—shared their insights through surveys, written submissions, and focus groups attended by over 300 people.
Key findings from the report include:
- 90% of respondents reported experiencing pain that lasted longer than a year.
- 54% of participants live with pain on a daily basis.
- Pain affects multiple areas of life, such as mental health, relationships, work, education, and everyday activities.
Participants identified several major challenges in the healthcare system, such as gender bias, stigma, stereotyping, a lack of specialist knowledge, and experiences of being dismissed or gaslit.
Access challenges, such as costs, long waiting times, and complex systems to navigate, were also highlighted.
The Inquiry has produced 27 recommendations across seven key areas aimed at improving care and services for Victorian girls and women who experience pain:
- Women’s health research
- Strengthening policies
- Training and professional development
- Cultural change and public awareness
- Models of care
- Workforce development
- Affordable and accessible healthcare
The Department of Health expressed gratitude to all participants for sharing their experiences and noted that the Inquiry’s findings could mark a significant moment for women’s health in Victoria, potentially leading to lasting systemic improvements.
Source: Victorian Department of Health and Safer Care Victoria
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