Question seeks data on assault-related emergency presentations due to family and domestic violence and referrals to support services. Answer indicates data limitations prior to September 2024 and inability to track referrals.

AnsweredQoN 479Legislative Council
Asked
21 August 2025
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

With respect to emergency presentations at Western Australian state hospitals, I ask: (a) for each of the past eight years, by year, how many presentations to Western Australian public hospital emergency departments have been recorded for assault-related injuries where family and domestic violence was identified as the primary cause; and (b) for each of the past eight years, by year, how many suspected family and domestic violence cases presenting to hospital and emergency departments were referred to: (i) the Western Australian Police; and (ii) family and domestic violence support services, including social workers?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
14 October 2025
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health
Response time
7 days
(a) - Since September 2024, there have been 141 emergency department attendances where there was alleged domestic violence. Data prior to this period does not allow identification of suspected or alleged domestic violence and is not available for reporting for other sites. WA Health emergency staff undertake mandatory training in responding to family and domestic violence.
(b)
Emergency department data source systems do not capture information at a level that allows identification of referral to the Western Australian Police or family and domestic violence support services.

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