GenWest welcomes the announcement by the Victorian Government of the Inquiry into Women's Pain, an Australian-first initiative to help improve models of care and service delivery for Victorian girls and women experiencing pain.
The Victorian Government has released the results of a landmark survey on women’s pain: Listening to women’s voices.
The survey confirmed what many women already know – that their pain is real – and regularly overlooked, minimised or dismissed.
Over 1700 participants responded to the survey, sharing personal experience of their health and the care they received. Findings from the survey include:
- 1 in 2 participants reported that menstruation-related conditions affected their health and wellbeing
- 1 in 2 participants reported that pregnancy and the complications of birth had lasting effects on their health and wellbeing
- 1 in 2 participants reported that sexual and reproductive health issues like endometriosis directly affected their health and wellbeing
- 1 in 2 participants reported that period-related conditions (heavy periods, cramping, PMS) affected their health and wellbeing
- 2 in 5 women live with chronic pain
- 1 in 4 women were impacted by the financial burden of healthcare
- 1 in 3 participants had health conditions that impacted their ability to work and keep a job
- 1 in 5 participants said they missed out on social connections because of their health
The survey uncovered that one in three women ‘said that they experienced insensitive and disrespectful practitioners who left them feeling dismissed and unheard’.
Participants were clear about what improvements can be made to our healthcare system – listen to women without bias or judgement and treat them with empathy and respect. And make it easier to access services.
The findings of the survey have led to an inquiry into women’s pain, which is now open for community consultation.
The Inquiry into Women's Pain is an opportunity for individuals and organisations to share their experiences and knowledge on women and girls pain, including the care, services and treatments in the Victorian Health system.
Read the Women’s Health Services Network response to the inquiry.
Read more about Inquiry into Women's Pain or make a submission. Submissions are open until 12 March 2024.
