Paper Presentation for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Conference Title ‘A little encouragement’: health services and domestic violence.

women attending health care facilities have previously experienced domestic violence, many of these women did not seek health care at the time, despite severe injuries. The aim of this project was to identify those elements of health care which women who had experienced domestic violence considered represented quality care and explore opportunities for a health service to improve its service delivery to these women. Nine focus groups were conducted across the Hunter, in rural and urban areas. A total of 65 women were recruited from Women’s Support Services and Refuges. The tapes of focus groups were transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Women identified a range of areas for the improvement of health services. The major issue was the importance of a supportive environment where service providers are able to provide safety, trust and understanding, are able to offer options and allow the women to make choices. Personal profile of presente