A campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence for midwives has launched by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), the government, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and domestic abuse charity SafeLives.
The campaign, 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence Campaign, will run until 3 December. The goal of the campaign is to promote understanding among midwives, women, and other organisations of the services available to support and help victims of domestic abuse. A theme will be used each day to explore the various forms of domestic violence. Organisations such as the RCM will use social media to signpost staff to sources of help and support if they identify a patient they suspect is subject to abuse, or if they are experiencing it.
‘It is important that midwives report their concerns to protect those at risk and ensure that they have knowledge of referral and care pathways, local protocols in order to provide appropriate sensitive support to victims – including healthcare and psychological support,’ said Janet Fyle, professional policy advisor at the RCM.
According to the RCM, around 30% of abuse starts in pregnancy and 40-60% of women experiencing domestic abuse are expecting a baby. Additionally, domestic violence has overtaken gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia as the leading cause of fetal death. Domestic violence includes, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, child marriage and honour killings.
‘As healthcare professionals, we have a role to play in preventing violence against women and girls and providing care and support to victims,’ said Hani Fawzi, vice President for Global Health for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. ‘Often we are their first and only point of contact when victims are left with the impacts of violence, such as teenage pregnancy, obstetric fistula, STIs/HIV, and preterm birth.'