Fear that children will be taken into care cited as a key reason for not telling maternity hospitals about abuse
Shame and a belief that hospital staff won’t be able to help are among reasons pregnant women experiencing domestic violence do not report it at maternity hospitals, a study has found. Photograph: Getty Images
The three-year pilot project, in the three Dublin maternity hospitals and Cork University Maternity Hospital, saw almost 350 maternity care staff receiving specialist training in recognising the signs a woman may be experiencing abuse, in sensitively asking her, and, in responding appropriately. The evaluation report, conducted by a non-profit Centre for Effective Services, surveyed 74 women who had experienced domestic violence while pregnant, conducted focus groups and interviewed key personnel involved in providing the pilot service.
Survey respondents were “strongly in favour of women being asked about domestic violence and abuse frequently at their appointments with maternity services.” “What should be a joyful time in a woman’s life can be marred by serious physical assaults and persistent abusive behaviours, that negatively impact her physical and mental health,” said Sarah Benson, chief executive of Women’s Aid.
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