Pilot programme trains hospital staff to identify patients affected by domestic abuse

A pilot programme at a west London hospital is training staff to recognise and support patients affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence.

ADViSE (Assessing for Domestic Violence and Abuse in Sexual Health Environments) is hosted by the Jefferiss sexual health service in St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington.

In its first fully operational year, the programme has helped 94 patients experiencing domestic abuse and, or sexual violence.

The day-to-day service has also trained 65 members of staff within the hospital’s sexual health team, teaching them to identify patients who may be affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence and connect them with specialist services.

ADViSE is a partnership between Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Advance, the domestic abuse charity, and IRISi, a social enterprise.

By connecting healthcare and specialist services, ADViSE aims to create a clear referral pathway to specialised support so that gender-based violence becomes recognised and addressed as a health issue. 

Dr Ali Mears, consultant in Sexual Health at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “Anyone can face domestic abuse and sexual violence, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background. 

“Working with our partners, we want to provide a safe space for patients to access non-judgemental, comprehensive and expert support and advice. 

“Whether the abuse is currently happening or happened many years ago, we want to be there to help.”

Advance estimates that one in four women in the UK will experience domestic abuse. Domestic abuse includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse from partners or ex-partners or between family members. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or sexuality.

The pilot scheme at St Mary’s Hospital has been funded for an initial two-years by London’s Violence Reduction Unit.

Lib Peck, director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), praised the programme for helping those who are “not usually recognised within services they desperately need”.

But Melanie Goodway, director of programmes and innovation at IRISi, said sustained funding “is critical” to reaching as many survivors as possible.

She said: “Maintaining the programme ensures referrals continue to grow and more survivors can access the life-saving support they need. 

“Evidence shows that funding gaps cause referrals to drop sharply, leaving survivors without help at their most vulnerable. 

“Public investment is essential to building a robust, integrated, and sustainable system that provides lasting support for those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.”

 For more information about domestic abuse and sexual violence, including organisations who can help: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/getting-help-for-domestic-violence/

Pictured top: The ADViSE pilot programme is hosted by the Jefferiss sexual health service in St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington (Picture: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust)