Coercive control is now recognised as a distinct, often non-physical, form of
domestic and family violence that precedes most domestic homicides — the Sense of
Safety Framework (invasion/confusion/isolation patterns) and specific practice
guidance (avoid couple therapy where it exists; watch for perpetrator “image
management”). See Domestic & Family Violence.
A structured disclosure-response model (WHO’s LIVES framework) and the CARE model
for restoring patient agency are now recommended, plus specific documentation
advice (use neutral clinical language, not “domestic violence,” since records may be
subpoenaed) and a caution against managing both the survivor and perpetrator as
patients. See Domestic & Family Violence.
Presumptive STI antibiotics after sexual assault are no longer the default —
current ASHM guidance is to test at 72–120 hours and treat only if positive, with HIV
PEP as a 28–30 day course (not a single dose). See
Sexual Assault.
The VASS (Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale) — a 17-item, Australian-
developed and -validated tool — has better local validation than the EASI tool. See
Elder Abuse.
A national elder-abuse helpline (1800 ELDERHelp) now exists. See
Elder Abuse.
Prolonged grief disorder is now a formal diagnosis (DSM-5-TR 2022; ICD-11 has an
equivalent construct), replacing the older, imprecise “10–20% develop complicated
grief” estimate with a lower, better-evidenced ~7% — with specific criteria
(≥12 months post-death in adults, ≥6 months in children) and clear risk factors (death
of a spouse/partner or child, sudden/traumatic death, insecure attachment). The rigid
Kübler-Ross “five stages” framing has also been superseded by non-linear models —
Bowlby/Parkes’ phases, and the “dual process” oscillation between loss-oriented and
restoration-oriented coping. See
Illness, Loss & Death of a Child, Partner or Family Member.
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Homelessness: a practical model-of-care section (bringing services to the
patient, using screening as an engagement tool). See
Poverty / Financial Problem.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health & the 715 Check
— the MBS item 715 health assessment (once every 9 months, delegable
information-collection), using the RACGP/NACCHO National Guide as the
topic-by-topic content checklist, ATSI-specific funded vaccine
differences (BCG, hepatitis A, pneumococcal, RSV), and the PBS
Closing-the-Gap co-payment access gap for after-hours hospital
prescriptions.