Navigating sexual health in DFSV and women's health services: Addressing the spread of syphilis

Course description: 

Syphilis was recently declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance, highlighting the need for greater awareness, screening and early intervention across the women’s health and family violence workforce. People experiencing family, domestic, and sexual violence often face additional barriers to care and are at increased risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Workers in these settings are uniquely positioned to support those at higher risk. 

This one-hour webinar, delivered by ASHM during Women’s Health NSW’s Learn at Lunch series, provides an introduction to STIs, including congenital syphilis. Tailored for both clinical and non-clinical workers across a range of NSW women’s health services, the session covers recognising at-risk populations and risk factors, identifying symptoms and when to screen, referral pathways, and how to use trauma-informed language to initiate sexual health conversations. Participants will leave with practical strategies to support timely access to care and strengthen their service’s response to syphilis.

Learning outcomes:

 On completion of this course and its components, participants will be able to: 

1. Describe the presentation of common STIs. 

2. Recognise priority populations for STI screening and the factors that increase their risk. 

3. Explain the importance of sexual health conversations and supporting clients to access testing and treatment. 

4. Identify practical strategies to reduce barriers and support timely access to care. 

5. Discuss ways to improve STI and congenital syphilis awareness within your service.

Target Audience:  

Clinical and non-clinical staff in women’s health and domestic, family and sexual violence services in NSW. 

Course Components: 

• One-hour online workshop 

• Post course survey

CPD & Endorsement:  

• RACGP has endorsed this training

• A statement of attendance will be provided for full attendees

 Funding: 

This course received funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.