Australian research has indicated that the frequency and severity of family and domestic violence (FDV) increases with remoteness, resulting in higher rates of hospitalisation for some rural communities; however, prior research has suggested that some health-related policies and ED responses to FDV may not be meeting the needs of rural communities. The current study aimed to understand how Australian rural ED's respond to FDV and why they respond in certain ways. Foucauldian Discourse and Narrative Analysis were used to examine three sets of data involving: 1) Australian Government FDV policies; 2) observations of rural ED’s; and 3) focus groups with ED nurses. Two rural Australian ED’s were involved in the study. Data was collected in 2021 and 2022. The results produced three dominant narratives: Deficit Subject Narratives, Societal Narratives, and Person-Centered Narratives. Narratives had potential significant implications when considering the agency and wellbeing of ED patients, ED clinicians, and individuals impacted by FDV. Deficit Subject and Societal Narratives reduced the visibility of FDV and the agency of the patient within ED, while Person-Centered Narratives enhanced its visibility and empowered patients. The results highlighted the potential for contradictory institutional narratives to threaten the wellbeing of ED clinicians by positioning them as both responsible and helpless in respect to FDV. These results stress the importance of context when considering how rural ED’s can be adequately supported to respond effectively to FDV without compromising the welfare of clinicians, patients or local communities.

Sheree Moore has qualifications in nursing and psychology.  They are enrolled in a Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology) course and have completed the following qualifications: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Nursing, Graduate Diploma of Psychology, and Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) Honours. Sheree has over 10 years’ experience supporting children, adults, families and frontline health workers in regards to family violence in rural and remote areas of Australia. This includes psychology and nursing roles within Emergency Departments, public community mental health services, schools, private psychology practice and child protective services.