Scottish Government
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NHS spotlight on domestic abuse
Over 5,000 NHS staff in Scotland will now be trained to encourage victims to 'open up' about domestic abuse.
Scotland will become the first country in the UK to tackle domestic abuse through the NHS, with a co-ordinated national strategy to identify and help more victims.
Frontline NHS staff in Scotland will become skilled at how to initiate conversations in a sensitive way that will give people the chance to open up about abuse behind closed doors.
Midwives, mental health workers, substance misuse and sexual health professionals, A&E staff and health visitors will be trained over the next year and a half.
A national NHS domestic abuse team has been put in place to support local health boards to implement the initiative by developing specialist training packages for staff, highlighting best practice and issuing national guidance.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said:
"Domestic abuse can have a profound impact on someone's health including physical injuries, anxiety, depression and sadly, we know it is one of the biggest reasons for suicide.
"Often the health service is the first, or indeed only, service that victims will use either for themselves or their children.
"The NHS therefore has a pivotal role in helping to combat domestic abuse. And importantly, NHS staff should feel well equipped and confident about opening the door for people to talk about domestic abuse.
"This early detection and a sympathetic response will help to protect victims and children and offer them the opportunity to access help and support to get their lives back on track."
Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said:
"Scotland is well recognised for leading the way on tackling domestic abuse and we need to continue to drive home the message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated.
"Most people experiencing abuse will be in contact with the health service, so it is vital that there is a co-ordinated and consistent national approach to offering support to victims.
"This will help ensure victims are met with a listening ear, have the confidence to tell someone what is happening and get the help and support they need."
