A PILOT project to offer help to domestic abuse victims at Worcestershire Royal Hospital has been launched.

The initiative — launched by West Mercia Women’s Aid (WMWA) and backed by the Worcestershire Forum against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence — offers an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to patients visiting the maternity and accident and emergency departments at the hospital.

The advisor will spend three days a week working alongside healthcare professionals who will refer high risk women for help and support.

Jan Frances, chief executive WMWA, said: “As part of our commitment to helping victims of domestic abuse we keep up to date with research around domestic abuse provision and in particular the delivery of IDVA services across the UK.

"It is clear that there are distinct advantages in positioning an advisor in a hospital environment. Previous pilots in Manchester, Bristol and London have identified that early intervention of this type has had a positive impact on reducing re-victimisation and escalation.

"We saw an opportunity to work with healthcare partners in Worcestershire and are delighted that we can now offer this service.”

The purpose of the pilot is to ensure that women who regularly visit A&E and are considered high risk by healthcare professionals have an opportunity to access early assistance and support from specialist domestic abuse providers.  

Research has demonstrated that women are at higher risk of domestic abuse when pregnant, with 30 per cent of domestic abuse starting in pregnancy, and early reporting will therefore ensure that positive intervention can take place.

Although based in A&E the IDVA works across the hospital supporting and raising awareness of domestic abuse with all health professionals.

During the pilot an extensive range of training has been delivered which will enable staff to make a difference and better understand the challenges faced by victims and are now able to signpost victims to the range of specialist support agencies working across Worcestershire.

Matron Clare Bush, in charge of A&E, said: "This is an exciting initiative which all staff are committed to. The IDVA has become an important member of our team and it is reassuring that staff have a specialist they can refer to and seek advice from. It re-enforces our patient care is at the heart of all we do".

The pilot will run until the end of July next year.

The hospital is also involved in the 16 Days of Action campaign, which highlights domestic abuse and sexual violence.

As part of this, staff have been wearing a white ribbon in a pledge to never condone domestic abuse of sexual violence, and staff from West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse support centre and Stonham were on hand in the hospital yesterday to give out information about their services.

For more information and advice around domestic abuse call the WMWA helpline on 0800 980 3331 or sexual abuse on 01905 724514.