A new report acknowledges the real pain that women across the Bellarine and the state experience and the gaps in accessing care.
The state government released the final Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report on 9 November, which found that 71 per cent of Victorian women felt dismissed by healthcare professionals when seeking assistance for pain.
Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West chief executive Jodie Hill said the report’s release was a “critical and long-awaited moment” for women across the state.
“When women’s pain is dismissed, the ripple effects are felt across families, workplaces and communities,” she said.
“Thousands of women have bravely shared their personal stories, and their courage demands that we listen, learn and act as we owe them nothing less than change.
“It’s more than simply responding well to women’s pain; it’s about taking concrete steps to provide the services women need so that their health and wellbeing are given the priority they need.”
The report formed part of the Inquiry into Women’s Pain, with the state government planning to roll out green whistle pain relief and supporting adolescents and girls with a special clinic in the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).
Premier Jacinta Allan said the final report marked a turning point in women’s healthcare across the state and reaffirmed that chronic pain disproportionately impacted women.
“It’s time we stop hearing that our pain doesn’t exist, and these tangible steps will improve the lives of women and girls everywhere,” she said.
