A new group has
been set up to help the NHS provide improved healthcare for women
and children who are victims of violence, Health Minister Ann Keen
announced today.
The Department of Health will raise awareness of the roles and
responsibilities of NHS staff in treating victims of violence and
call for increased vigilance of the variety of health issues that
may be a direct result of sexual violence against women and
children, domestic violence and harmful traditional practices and
human trafficking.
The announcement is part of a cross-government drive to tackle
violence against women and girls and is the interim response to an
independent taskforce report – ‘Responding to violence against
women and children – the role of the NHS.’
This report sets out a series of recommendations for the NHS to
better support victims of violence. It stresses that increased
awareness, training and education is necessary for NHS staff to be
able to apply the same rigorous, systematic approach to this issue
as has been applied to other areas of NHS work, such as diabetes
and stroke.
In a bid to help the many thousands of women and children who
experience violence and abuse every day across England, the
Department of Health will also publish guidance to help the NHS
provide appropriate local services. The Department is also
sponsoring a diploma for clinicians who work with victims of
sexual assault.
This is in addition to £1.6 million of funding which the
Department recently announced for Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).
Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Health said:
“The NHS already plays a major role in helping those affected by
violence. Each and every day across the country, staff treat and
help patients with mental health and anxiety problems, unwanted
pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and alcohol abuse –
but we are aware that the NHS needs to do more to ensure that
patients are treated consistently, confidently and sensitively.
“That is why we have set up an Implementation Group to drive work
forward in this area. Our aim is to ensure that victims of
violence receive the very best of care to help them through such
difficult times and Sir George Alberti’s report will help us build
on work already under way.”
Professor Sir George Alberti, Chair of the Taskforce, said:
“More women suffer rape or attempted rape than have a stroke each
year, and the level of domestic violence in the population exceeds
that of diabetes.
“It’s a public health issue of great concern and the NHS has a
clear duty to help and contribute to the multi-agency efforts to
increase the safety of women and children in our society and
provide much greater support.”
Home Secretary, Alan Johnson said:
“We are determined to bring an end to violence against women and
girls. The NHS has a vital role to play by ensuring frontline
workers are able to spot the signs of this type of violence or
abuse and provide the support and help that victims need.
“Since we launched our Violence against Women and Girls strategy
in November the Government has committed more than £13 million to
support victims; launched a national awareness campaign to tackle
abuse in teenage relationships; and plans to include the issue in
the national curriculum from September 2011. “
Notes to Editors
The Implementation Group will be chaired by Melanie Walker,
Chief Executive of Newham PCT.
For media interview opportunities, please contact the Department
of Health press office 020 7210 5221
The Taskforce on the Health Aspects of Violence Against Women
and Children forms part of a cross-government programme on
Violence against Women and Girls. This was launched by the Home
Office on 25 November 2009. The Taskforce was announced in May
2009 and comprises third sector organisations, Royal Colleges,
academics, other government departments and health care
professionals from a range of backgrounds including emergency
care, midwifery, paediatrics, general practice and child and
adolescent mental health services.Copies of the Taskforce report,
the four sub-group reports, the findings from focus groups with
women, children and NHS staff, and the Interim Government Response
are available at www.dh.gov.uk/vawcOther relevant reports include
the Sexualisation of Young People Review, published February 2010
by the Home Office; and the Stern Review, focusing on the rape
complaint process publishing 15 March 2010.
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk