Exploring Australian psychiatrists’ and psychiatric trainees’ knowledge, attitudes and preparedness in responding to adults experiencing domestic violence

Abstract

Objective: Examine knowledge, opinions and practices of psychiatrists and trainees in responding to domestic violence (DV). Method: Online survey including two sub-scales from PREMIS (Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey): knowledge (10 items) and preparedness (10 items). Results: Of psychiatrists completing the survey (216), 47% had received less than 2 hours of training in DV. PREMIS findings showed moderate knowledge of, and preparedness to deal with, DV. Participants with more clinical experience had significantly more knowledge and preparedness to deal with DV. Conclusions: Findings suggest more training in DV for psychiatrists is needed.