Plans to help protect abuse risk women unveiled

New plans to help identify victims of domestic abuse earlier, especially for pregnant women, have been unveiled today.

Government figures have shown that 30% of domestic violence either starts or will intensify during pregnancy. One-in-four women will experience domestic violence at some time in their life and the NHS is often the first point of contact for domestic violence victims.

Under the proposals, an advisory group will be set up to suggest possible ways to include routine enquiries during ante-natal appointments. The aim will be to ensure pregnant women feel comfortable discussing domestic violence and to enable them to get appropriate help and support.

At a national conference into domestic abuse is being held in London today, Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson said: "Domestic violence is a key issue for the public health agenda. The fact that domestic violence often starts or escalates during pregnancy and is associated with increases in rates of miscarriage, low birth weight, premature birth, foetal injury and foetal death makes for stark reading.

"By including routine enquiry when women go for ante-natal appointments, health professionals may be able to establish whether women are at risk or have experienced any domestic violence during their pregnancy. This is an effective means of ensuring the appropriate support and advice is offered at an early stage and will ensure that help is given to women where and when it is needed."

The evidence for routine enquiries came from a pilot project funded undertaken by the University of the West of England the Bristol NHS Trust. Positive evaluation of the project has provided "strong evidence" to begin the introduction of a national programme to develop the use of routine enquiry and the provision of information across all health professionals.

The advisory group will be headed by Dr Gwyneth Lewis, senior medical adviser at the Department of Health.

(gmcg/mb)