DV Info and Resources for Professionals
Browse our resources for health professionals, front-line workers, housing officers, community safety, journalists, researchers, policy-makers, and other professionals.
About one in four women will experience domestic violence at some time in their lives, and this applies to women in all walks of life, across all ages, ethnic groups and socio-economic classes. Research has documented numerous significant health impacts on both adults and children who have experienced abusive relationships; these include short and longer-term health effects, in terms of physical, mental and sexual health.
Domestic violence is not restricted to physical violence; it may include psychological, emotional, sexual and economic abuse, and these may occur together or separately within the same relationship.
Health care professionals are more likely than any others to be approached by, or in touch with abused women and children, and in consultation with women and children they consistently indicated that they would trust and disclose to a health care professional if they were encouraged and supported to do so. Proactive identification and interventions by health professionals are viewed by the government as one of the key methods of addressing the issue. Failure by professionals to respond denies victims of domestic violence, and their children, the right to safety and protection; reduces their options for survival; and allows the perpetrators of violence to go unchallenged and unpunished.
This section provides information, tools and support to enable professionals to: identify domestic violence and to intervene sensitively and appropriately at all times. This section will change and grow with time and regular visits to this site are recommended.
Recognising and responding to DV
Why should you encourage women to disclose?
Even if the woman does not trust the health professionals she is in contact with, or is fearful of telling anyone the truth, there are several good reasons why she should disclose the abuse to them. For instance, in cases where a woman has external physical injuries, the doctor needs to know how these occurred so as to determine the most appropriate medical investigations, e.g. where there has been physical abuse to look for internal injuries.
Another reason why a woman should tell is that health staff can protect her by putting her in contact with an agency that can find her alternative accommodation if she does not want to return to her home. Women are increasingly being asked by the courts and housing departments to ‘prove’ that they have been abused. Medical evidence can be very useful to strengthen their case. So it is vital that health professionals promote the message that domestic violence is unacceptable and routinely enquire about it with all adult patients, particularly women.
Responding to DV
If there is a disclosure then the woman will need emotional support including:
· You to believe her and that you are glad that she told you
· Listening and being non-judgmental
· Letting her know that she is not to blame and no-one deserves to be treated this way
· She is not alone; 1 in 4 women experience it at some point
· She is at risk; her safety in her own home is a priority for you
· To know there is help available
· That she can always come back to you at any time
· You can refer her to specialist DV support, or signpost her to these services. ELWRA helpline 07866 510 728.
Responses that could be dangerous include:
· Give her direct advice, or tell her to leave him
· Tell her to defend herself or hit him back
· Take action without her consent - or discuss what she has said with other colleagues without her permission (except if child protection issues mean you need to contact a social worker; and then you can still inform her)
· Ask her why she puts up with it or what she has done to make him hit her
· Trivialise the abuse or minimise the danger (by not taking her seriously or telling her she should not put up with it)
· Expect immediate results
If she discloses, and her partner is waiting outside the room for her:
· Do not discuss the violence in depth. The partner may become suspicious and walk in mid conversation. If appropriate, discreetly provide her with the helpline number.
· Find out how to reach her safely to discuss things further at another time.
· Help her to prepare an answer in case her partner questions her about what was discussed during the confidential time.
Please read all the attached guides for more important information and book onto the training.
Domestic Violence training
ELWRA is the lead agency in delivering Domestic Violence Awareness Training as part of a multi-agency partnership in East Lancashire. Please contact us for more information on further training events at manager@elwra.org.uk
Resources
The following resources are available on request:-
BURNLEY DOMESTIC ABUSE STRATEGY
BURNLEY CONTACTS DIRECTORY
