Domestic abuse in the spotlight (From Gazette & Herald)

Domestic abuse in the spotlight

HEALTH professionals are being brought together to improve the way domestic abuse is dealt with in Ryedale.

Christine Mann, the national domestic violence co-ordinator from the Department of Health, will be the key speaker at an event on January 19 organised by Safer Communities Partnership North Yorkshire Moors and Coast, Safer Ryedale and the Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust.

Sandra Moss, domestic violence co-ordinator for Safer Communities Partnership North Yorkshire Moors and Coast and for Safer Ryedale, said: "We will be looking at what health professionals can do in terms of both recognising signs of domestic abuse and in giving victims the best possible help.

"If we get managers on board then we can reach other health staff - nurses, ward staff, health visitors, midwives, practise nurses and GPs - who are all in crucial positions to identify signs of domestic abuse." She said involving health professionals was an important part of the North Yorkshire Domestic Abuse Strategy and local protocols.

"The more agencies that are on board, the more we can encourage people to come forward and report crimes," she added.

"Also, the more professionals are attuned to look for signs and encourage people to report, the more the agencies can work together to tackle and prevent this serious, but often unreported crime."

If health professionals come across a victim of domestic abuse they can either give the person information on who to contact or, with the victim's consent, set up a multi-agency discussion on the case to seek the best way

forward. Visitors to the free morning session will hear Ms Mann talk about the responsibilities health professionals have with regard to domestic abuse. She has 12 years' experience of working with domestic abuse and crime and disorder partnerships.

Mary Stevens, locality manager for Malton Hospital, herself an experienced health visitor, said: "We are working to reduce the incidence of domestic abuse, as it has become an important public health issue. We also need to support and help people who are victims, and we are pleased as a health organisation to be involved with the whole project." For more information or to book a place phone Bev Willett on 01723 342718 or email bev.willett@acute.sney.nhs.uk

Updated: 09:33 Tuesday, January 04, 2005