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20/10/2004
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)
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)
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27 March 2009
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Victims of Domestic Violence will receive extra help and support from 18 new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice has announced. The new courts will be located in Eastern England, East Midlands, London, North East, North West, South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside.
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of Domestic Violence will receive extra help and support from 18 new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice has announced. The new courts will be located in Eastern England, East Midlands, London, North East, North West, South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humberside.
18 June 2003
Plans unveiled to tackle domestic violence
The government set out plans today to tackle domestic violence – a crime which claims the lives of two women every week. Home Secretary David Blunkett said that violence is no more acceptable in the home than it is on the street and called on people to give their views on the proposals during a 12-week consultation.
Plans unveiled to tackle domestic violence
The government set out plans today to tackle domestic violence – a crime which claims the lives of two women every week. Home Secretary David Blunkett said that violence is no more acceptable in the home than it is on the street and called on people to give their views on the proposals during a 12-week consultation.
20 October 2008
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of domestic violence will receive extra help and support from six new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), announced today. The new courts will be in Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West and South East.
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of domestic violence will receive extra help and support from six new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), announced today. The new courts will be in Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West and South East.
29 September 2009
Domestic Violence Victims' Aid Proposed
Violent partners will be banned from their homes and their victims given support to escape abuse under new proposals due to be unveiled today by Home Secretary Alan Johnson.
Domestic Violence Victims' Aid Proposed
Violent partners will be banned from their homes and their victims given support to escape abuse under new proposals due to be unveiled today by Home Secretary Alan Johnson.
14 February 2006
Campaign calls on friends to report domestic violence
A new advertising campaign aimed at encouraging friends of victims of domestic violence to report offences was launched today.
Campaign calls on friends to report domestic violence
A new advertising campaign aimed at encouraging friends of victims of domestic violence to report offences was launched today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
