Thousands of women, girls reveal struggle with pain

More than 12,000 women and girls have shared their personal experiences of pain and the impact it has on their daily lives as part of the state government’s landmark inquiry into women’s pain.

Minister for Mental Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced the overwhelming response to the inquiry last week, confirming submissions had been received from a diversity of women and girls aged 12 and over, along with family members, carers, clinicians and healthcare workers.

An Australian-first, the inquiry was initiated earlier this year after a survey of Victorian women found two in five respondents experienced chronic pain, while one in three reported encounters with disrespectful health practitioners who left them feeling dismissed and unheard.

The inquiry will explore the pain, treatment, care and services experienced by women and girls, and consider opportunities to improve their access to healthcare.

It will also investigate the barriers commonly faced by women and girls when accessing care and treatment for pain, with the aim of removing the healthcare-related gender bias and discrimination reported by two in three women when seeking diagnosis and treatment.

Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West chief executive officer Jodie Hill said the “huge” number of inquiry submissions demonstrated there was an “urgent need” to address women’s pain.

“At all stages of life, women are at greater risk of ill health than men.

“Globally, a higher proportion of women and girls experience chronic pain, however they don’t always get the treatment they need.

“We look forward to seeing the results of the inquiry and, importantly, the steps the government will take in response to what they are hearing from women.”

Submissions, along with feedback gathered from more than 20 community forum and focus groups, will be used to inform the inquiry’s final report, set to be released in December.

“For too long women’s pain has been overlooked, misdiagnosed and dismissed,” Ms Thomas said.

“We’re taking action by listening to Victorian women and transforming how women’s health is treated in Victoria.”

“We’ve heard from thousands of women who have told us about not being heard, being misdiagnosed and having their conditions downplayed.”