Report by peak psychology body highlights critical need for domestic and family violence reform  

28 February 2025 - A report by Australia’s peak body for psychology, the Australian Psychological Society (APS), has revealed just 10% of Australians feel the government is doing enough to ensure access to psychology services to those who need it most. Further, eight in ten Australians believe that those who are impacted by domestic and family violence (DFV) should have access to more psychology services. 

The report, Thinking Futures: Psychology’s role in transforming women and girls’ psychological health, underscores the urgent need for systemic reform in Australia’s mental health sector to improve access to care for women and girls experiencing DFV. ​ 

Psychology professionals echo this concern, with 93% agreeing that the government must take stronger action to address the current and projected psychological impacts of DFV on individuals and communities.​ 

“The message is clear,” says APS President Dr Sara Quinn. 

“Australians want the government to urgently address family, domestic and sexual violence against girls and women.  

“This report reveals a community crying out for change and highlights the critical need for reform in our nation’s mental health sector.” 

The report brings together key data from more than 2,700 APS and community members to provide a snapshot into the state of women and girls’ mental health in Australia. 

“Domestic and family violence is not just a social issue – it is a national crisis,” Dr Quinn said.  

Dr Quinn said it is disappointing our research doesn't paint a more positive picture, especially on the eve of the 30th anniversary of International Women's Day. 

"This Saturday, we will celebrate three decades of International Women's Day with the theme, 'Accelerate Action'," Dr Quinn said. 

"Accelerate Action is about the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality and driving momentum and urgency to break down the systemic barriers and biases women face.  

"Our research shows that this is an issue on which action is not accelerating - it is stagnant.  

"And if more is not done, we will go backwards,” Dr Quinn added. 

“Australians overwhelmingly believe DFV victims need and deserve more professional help but psychology workforce shortages and ongoing barriers to mental health care such as cost and access are compounding this crisis. 

“Psychologists are crucial in addressing the complex health needs of women and girls, including the impacts of DFV,” Dr Quinn said. 

To address these critical issues, APS proposes several key policy recommendations:  

• Expand trauma-informed training for psychologists and health professionals to improve support for DFV survivors.  

• Allow direct access to psychologists for DFV victim-survivors without requiring a GP referral.  

• Establish a volunteer DFV Professional Support Network to assist frontline workers and reduce burnout in the sector.  

• Increase Medicare rebates for psychology services to reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve access.  

• Introduce bulk billing incentives for psychologists to encourage service provision in rural and undeserved areas. 

The APS is committed to ensuring that every woman and girl in Australia has access to the psychological care she needs to heal, recover and thrive. This includes cisgender women, transgender women and non-binary people. 

​By implementing the recommendations in this report, policymakers, health professionals and the APS can work together to create a future where all women and girls have access to the psychology services they need to lead healthier, safer lives.  

Read the report here.

~ENDS~