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Responding to domestic abuse: a handbook for health professionals
Since April 2004, Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have had a statutory responsibility to work within Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnerships to reduce crime. This practical handbook help PCT staff discharge this responsibility with respect to domestic violence effectively, sensitively, and consistently.
Title: Responding to domestic abuse: a handbook for health professionals
Author: December 2005
Number of pages: 161
Date published: December 2005
Availability:
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This handbook gives practical guidance to healthcare professionals on working with patients who may have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse. It provides:
all readers with an insight into domestic abuse and its effects on individuals, the health service and society
healthcare professionals with practical prompts that they will be able to use in their day-to-day work with women and children
managers and policy-makers with advice on creating strategies for improving the care given to those who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse
As well as covering work with women, the handbook covers the basic information that healthcare professionals will need to know to respond effectively to children who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse.
Healthcare's contribution to national initiatives
Domestic abuse is a priority across government. Dealing with its effects and trying to alleviate the problem require a multi-agency approach – no one organisation has all the answers. But by working together, central and local government, criminal justice agencies, voluntary sector organisations and the NHS have a greater chance of meeting women and children's needs.
Since April 2004, Primary Care Trusts have had a statutory duty to work with other local agencies to reduce crime (in Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998). Domestic violence forms a quarter of all violent crime, so by following the guidance in this handbook, staff are helping the NHS to fulfil its obligations.
A response to genuine need
The handbook gives very clear answers to questions that many healthcare professionals may have: 'What's my role?', 'What am I supposed to do?' or 'Should I tell a woman whose partner has hit her to leave?'
Thankfully, although domestic abuse is a complicated issue, the response doesn't have to be. The guidance in this handbook sets out clearly what is expected of health professionals.
The health service is in a unique position to help people who suffer domestic abuse get the support they need. Individuals and Trusts across the country are already doing a lot to help. This handbook formalises this approach so that work is consistent.
Virtually every woman in Britain uses the healthcare system at some point. If an environment exists in which women are more likely to feel safe enough to reveal that they are being abused and can therefore access information, a real difference can be achieved for thousands of women and their families.
If health professionals all follow the same guidance, every woman across the country – from any background – can expect the same standard of response if they turn to a health professional for help.
It makes the job of health professionals easier. If it's our responsibility to help women who may be experiencing domestic abuse, we need to know the best ways to respond effectively.
The handbook also helps us play our part in bringing perpetrators to justice by giving guidance on the best way to keep records that might be used in future court cases.
Getting a copy
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Responding to domestic abuse: a handbook for health professionals
PDF 456Kb
Last update: 22 March 2006