Review into the treatment of women at the Australian Defence Force ...

10.4 Injury, Health and WellbeingKey findings of Review• While ADFA has mechanisms in place to address injuries, and health more broadly, therewas limited sensitivity to the fact that women are physiologically different from men and maytherefore experience different health or physical concerns.• While women comprise about 20% of the undergraduate population, according to ADFAstatistics female undergraduates have suffered approximately one third of all injuries since2006.• Undergraduates and staff attach enormous importance to physical wellbeing and there issignificant stigma which surrounds injury at ADFA.• Given the different nature of injuries that female undergraduates may suffer, and their higherinjury rates, negative consequences of and attitudes towards injury are often felt more heavilyby female undergraduates.• Undergraduates face a number of barriers to accessing services and reporting incidents ofunacceptable behaviour. These include cumbersome processes and insufficient support fora range of health and wellbeing issues, including sexual and personal abuse and violence atADFA.In response, the Review made two recommendations to help ADFA better manage the wellbeing, healthand injury risks present, with a sensitivity to any particular gender issues that may contribute to these.In summary, the findings of the Audit indicate that:• ADFA has undertaken extensive work in the approach to injury management.• Although some measures have focused on female undergraduates, ADFA could furtherincrease its focus on measures to alleviate the disproportionate injury rate of femalescompared to males.• ADFA has commenced recording injury statistics differentiated by gender, type and causeof injury in a format which lends itself to regular analysis of incidents and trends. Aftera preliminary analysis by ADFA, female undergraduates have been found to sustain adisproportionate number of gradual onset and sporting injuries. It is vital to ensure thatinjury patterns are regularly monitored and that management strategies are put in place toeffectively respond and prevent further injury.• ADFA has implemented a number of substantial improvements to physical training, remedialtraining and rehabilitation programs.• The stigma associated with injury is being addressed through the removal of physical signsof medical restrictions, education programs and improved rehabilitation, however stigma stillendures.• To enhance access to support services for undergraduates, posters with the contact detailsof internal and external emergency and support services have been displayed throughouttraining and accommodation areas.• ADFA has undertaken steps to develop partnerships with external service providers to assistin providing a holistic approach to undergraduate health, wellbeing and safety. The Audit wasnot provided with substantial information on the nature of the partnerships developed and thecollaboration which is intended. ADFA should ensure that these partnerships are developedand that the services are utilised.The Audit’s findings in respect of each recommendation follow.Audit Report: Review into the Treatment of Women at the Australian Defence Force Academy • 2013 • 117