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Coroner urges mandatory GP family violence training

The Victorian State Coroner looking into the murder of an elderly woman at the hands of her son has urged that GPs undergo mandatory training to help them recognise, report, and prevent elder abuse.

Published: 24 May 2024

Caroline Willis was murdered in May 2018 by her 40-year-old son Jamie Willis, against whom she had taken out multiple Family Violence Intervention Orders.

Around two years beforehand, Ms Willis’ GP had witnessed arguing between the pair and suggested they seek counselling to improve communication.

The GP also spoke to Jamie about a possible referral to a psychiatric nurse.

In early 2017, Ms Willis disclosed that she was the victim of financial abuse perpetrated by her son.

One year later, she told her doctor that Jamie had been threatening her and might be stealing her prescription medicines.

Ms Willis declined the GP’s suggestion of looking into residential aged care but accepted a referral to a mental health service where she was treated by a counsellor.

Around this time, the GP wrote in her consultation notes that discussions about the patient’s relationship with her son went “round and round and will never be resolved”.

Four months later, Ms Willis was stabbed to death.

State Coroner Judge John Cain was critical of the care that Ms Willis received.