Safer Steps not only raises awareness of domestic violence but has also introduced a range of innovative measures enabling people to report abuse and seek help.The project has helped more than 400 victims of abuse since it started three years ago.
The partnership with domestic violence charity Arch includes extensive training for all staff at Royal Stoke University Hospital, part of University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.
Major trauma co-ordinator Amanda Burston, chair of the 16-strong steering group, says: ‘Statistics suggest that 12% of people attending A&E are likely to be there because of domestic violence. We were clearly missing a lot of opportunities.’
She spearheaded the creation of a domestic violence interest group, with representatives from the police, domestic violence charity Arch and the local council, along with children’s nurses, consultants, adult nurses, healthcare support workers, the adult safeguarding nurse and the child protection lead nurse.
Arch delivers basic awareness one-hour sessions plus a full day’s intense training to more than 200 members of staff.
A range of discreet measures enable victims to alert staff, so they can find the safest time to offer support. These include posters in areas where a patient may have an opportunity to approach staff in confidence. Staff also wear badges that say ‘You CAN ask me about domestic violence’, encouraging the conversation to take place.
You can find more information about the service here http://bit.ly/1Ja2wMQ