Domestic violence screening a welcome move

31 July 2007

Domestic violence screening in health sector a welcome move

PLANS to have health professionals include questions about domestic violence in their consultations with women have been developed in conjunction with a wide range of agencies dealing with the issue including Women’s Refuge, the Ministry of Health said today.

“It was really clear to us when we first set about developing guidelines for health professionals that we needed to be able to ask questions in a way that felt safe for women. We did our best to ensure this by setting up a working party which involved a range of organisations and groups working in the area, including Women’s Refuge which is one of the signatories to the guidelines,” Ministry spokewoman Jo Elvidge said.

“I must admit I’m surprised that Women’s Refuge are quoted as saying they would welcome the opportunity to discuss the guidelines when they have been an integral part of developing them,” Ms Elvidge said.

The guidelines encourage health professionals to ask women questions about partner abuse within the safe setting of a consultation. They have been piloted in several District Health Boards and are now being rolled out nationally. Depending on the response to the screening questions women may then be referred to any one of a number of agencies which deal with the issue.

“The point of asking is to “open the door” for women who may be ready to talk about abuse. It is an invitation to talk. There is no suggestion whatsoever that this is an entry test for treatment. Nor is there any compulsion to answer,” Ms Elvidge said.

“The feedback we have had to date from women is that it’s great to be asked, and often a relief to be able to talk. At the same time they seem clearly to understand that they don’t have to disclose abuse if they are not ready. We know of one woman asked the question when pregnant who said nothing. But when her baby was 11 months old she went back to the maternity hospital and disclosed abuse. “

Ms Elvidge said Women’s Refuge had been asked to monitor referrals when the programme was set up: “Clearly we want to be sure they have the capacity to deal with extra referrals coming from the health sector”

Women might also be referred to a range of other organisations including Barnardos, Jigsaw, Child Youth and Family, Police and other appropriate agencies.

ENDS

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