In recognition of Mental Health Month, the RANZCP South Australia Branch hosted its 66th annual Barton Pope Lecture on the urgent issue of domestic violence and its profound impact on mental health.  

The Hon Katrine Hildyard MP, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, gave an opening address outlining the vision of the South Australian Government following the release of the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence report. This was followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Jess Hill and other leading voices in therapy, lived experience, and policy reform.  

• Prof Manjula O’Connor shared insights into how domestic violence leads to trauma and symptoms requiring intensive treatment, emphasising that recovery depends on access to quality, government-funded mental healthcare and policy reform
• Dr Henry Pharo presented on the Child and Family Support System in the context of family violence and the healing impact, and retention of children by families.
• Stacey Nelan shared her powerful story as a survivor of domestic violence and the welcome change in inclusion of lived experience in shaping policies. 

Thank you to everyone who attended. We look forward to next year’s event.