GP KFPs / SAQs · abuse-and-violence
Domestic and family violence — KFP-style written assessment
KFP-style staged scenarios on DV: recognising presentations, asking safely, safety planning after disclosure, culturally competent care for migrant women, and the GP role in long-term recovery.
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Study tools
Target exams
RACGP KFPRACGP AKTMRCGP AKT
Prompt
DV: ask directly, believe the disclosure, plan for safety — recognition, response and referral in general practice
KFP 1 (10 marks)
A 34-year-old woman attends with chronic headaches and sleep disturbance. She has attended four times in two months with different complaints. Today she has a bruise on her left forearm. She is accompanied by her husband who answers most questions on her behalf. [1]
- What should you do about the husband? (2)
- How would you ask about DV safely? (4) [1]
- If she discloses DV, what is your priority intervention? (4) [3]
Model answers
- See her alone. Find a reason to ask the husband to wait outside (e.g. "I need to examine her privately"). Never conduct DV assessment with the partner present — it prevents disclosure and increases risk. [1]
- Ask privately and directly: "Are you safe at home?" or "Does anyone hurt you or make you feel afraid?" Ask without judgement. Do not force disclosure but make it clear the door is open. [1]
- Safety planning is the priority. A randomised study showed safety plan training reduced DV scores from 38.5 to 28.86. Include: emergency contacts (police, 1800RESPECT), escape plan (where to go, what to take), important documents stored separately, and a code word with trusted contacts. [3]
References4ShowHide
- [1]Micklitz HM, Glass CM, Bengel J, Sander LB Efficacy of Psychosocial Interventions for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Trauma Violence Abuse, 2024.PMID 37148270
- [2]GBD 2023 Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence against Children Collaborators Disease burden attributable to intimate partner violence against females and sexual violence against children in 204 countries and territories, 1990-2023: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. Lancet, 2026.PMID 41386261
- [3]Taft AJ, Young F, Hegarty KL, Yelland J, Mazza D, et al. A culturally-safe primary care intervention for migrant/refugee women suffering domestic violence and abuse: HARMONY-a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial. BMC Med, 2026.PMID 41864964
- [4]Khaefi N, Maarefvand M, Bidhendi-Yarandi R The Efficacy of Safety Plans in Mitigating Domestic Violence Experiences: A Tehran Study. J Interpers Violence, 2026.PMID 42479824