This paper reports findings of a qualitative study examining the perceptions of 21 Australian women professionals who conduct home visiting with families experiencing intimate partner violence. There is scant evidence documenting how home visiting professionals adapted practice to address the safety concerns of women and their children within the context of the pandemic. Practitioners noted an increase in the risk level and complexity of intimate partner violence (IPV), including the ways that perpetrators weaponized the pandemic to exert power and control over women and children. Practitioners reported on their rapid adaptation of practices, to ensure the continuation of services which included moving to online delivery methods, wearing PPE, and negotiating practice from a distance. While responses to these changes were mixed, most reported their desire to continue to use online platforms post-pandemic, reporting increased safety, flexibility, and accessibility for the majority of clients. This research addresses a gap in respect of professionals’ perceptions of the issues facing survivors of IPV and of their professional practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. As policies, practices, and protocols continue to adapt to the challenging environment posed by the pandemic the experiences of professionals and service users are critical to inform these changes.

Background Complex trauma is a significant public health issue with detrimental health, interpersonal and psychological impacts, which can impede client recovery and result in multiple representations. ‘Trauma Informed Practice’ (TIP) is an evidence-based model which ensures safe and effective services for clients and staff. This study examines health professional’s use of TIP, and the motivators, enablers and barriers to implementation in a multidisciplinary setting. Methods A mixed methods study with 24 front-line clinicians and managers within a community health setting in Australia. A purpose designed, expert validated TIP checklist was completed, followed by semi-structured focus groups. Survey data was reported using descriptive statistics. Focus group data was digitally recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results Ten key factors were identified motivating, restricting or enabling TIP implementation. Seven were organisational factors including supportive and informed management, flexibility of service models, levels of service demands, resource availability, education opportunities, good client outcomes, and reporting requirements. Philosophical approach, team orientation, and vicarious trauma/stress management were three individual professional factors. Critically, alignment in two ways was necessary for successful implementation, that is: in knowledge and understanding across organisational role levels - clinician, manager and executive; and, in professional philosophy and team orientation of individual clinicians. Conclusion Providing TIP is essential for ensuring optimum client outcomes for trauma survivors and for maintaining workforce wellbeing. Although the increasing uptake to TIP is evident within the health setting, further attention is required to address the tension between service models focused on efficiently servicing whole populations and those attuned to effectively meeting the needs of high risk groups. A complex strategy to unite therapeutic and managerial goals is necessary if client, professional and organisational needs are to be effectively met.

Issue Addressed: Australia's national cervical screening program has reduced rates of cervical cancer morbidity and mortality. However, these benefits have not been experienced by all women. A Cervical Cancer Screening Project was implemented with lay health educators to address inequitable screening access by women experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Methods: Resources and a training program were developed and piloted with the specialist homelessness services workforce in Sydney, NSW. Data was collected to inform their development and evaluation through interviews, focus groups, self-administered surveys and analysis of NSW Pap Test Register data. Results: Women reported low familiarity with the term 'cervical screening'. They identified a good patient-doctor relationship, and seeing a female practitioner, as screening enablers. While the majority reported having cervical screening before, NSW Pap Test Register data showed only 74% had screened previously and of those, 69% were overdue. Homelessness service workers expressed interest in talking with clients about cervical screening, and reported increased knowledge and confidence following training. Conclusion: The homelessness sector is an appropriate venue to access women who are disadvantaged and under-screened. However, increasing workforce capacity to discuss screening does not lead to increased screening for women accessing these services. Further efforts are required. So What?: Access to cervical screening by women experiencing disadvantage remains a challenge. Sustained multi-faceted health promotion efforts are required to increase access. These should be informed by additional research exploring barriers and enablers for this group of women.

No abstract