The 18-month program has been conducted at the hospital since September and Nursing and Surgical Services executive director Peter Faulkner said the hospital was delighted to have been selected for it.

"The project aims to increase staff awareness and knowledge, develop and share resources and improve practices on family violence into a model that can be embedded and adapted for a range of hospitals," he said.

Bendigo Health is one of two Victorian hospitals to conduct the pilot, with the other being the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne.

It consists of training staff in the areas of women's health, mental health and the emergency department to recognise patients at risk of violence.

"Often people don't identify themselves as a victim," he said.

"What we do know is women and children are most vulnerable.

"We hope to skill staff, give them knowledge (about domestic violence) and build confidence about having difficult conversations."

While most practical assistance to women experiencing domestic violence would take place outside of the hospital, staff would be equipped with information about services they could refer patients to.

Mr Faulkner also said staff would be trained to consider the sensitivities surrounding domestic violence, including the fact victims might be reluctant to take brochures and pamphlets home with them, for fear of recriminations.

"It's a tricky area," he said.

He said the project aimed to identify gaps in the identification referral systems currently in place and create policies that fulfill the need.

"The project also builds capacity of selected hospital staff to plan and implement initiatives that may prevent violence before it starts."

As part of the White Ribbon 16 Days of Activism campaign, a promotional poster with the message "Bendigo Health says NO to family violence" has been developed for display in public areas.