Healthcare
How we work with healthcare professionals
"Domestic abuse is an urgent public health priority."
Healthcare professionals, including midwives and health visitors, play a vital role in identifying signs of domestic abuse and referring families to appropriate support services like For Baby’s Sake.
0.5%
of maternity patients are recorded as disclosing domestic abuse. [Source: Domestic Abuse Commissioner]
49%
of all suicide attempts in the UK are linked to domestic abuse. [Source: The Lancet Psychiatry]
Annually, nearly half a million of people who experience domestic abuse seek assistance from medical professionals [Source: SafeLives]. Healthcare professionals often serve as the first point of contact for those who experience domestic abuse. Those who experience abuse trust healthcare providers with disclosures of abuse, recognising them as professionals who can offer support safely and effectively. Domestic abuse also casts a shadow over pregnancy, with research indicating that around 30% of cases commence during this vulnerable period.
Recognising the gravity of this issue, the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have jointly labelled domestic abuse as a “maternal health issue.” They stress that maternity care professionals are uniquely positioned to identify and respond to abuse.
Health visitors play a crucial role in identifying and supporting families affected by domestic abuse. A concerning 82% increase in abuse reports since the pandemic onset underscores the urgency of their role.
Domestic abuse during pregnancy significantly heightens the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Moreover, it exacerbates mental health issues, with over 40% experiencing conditions such as anxiety and depression, potentially impacting the parent-child bond and echoing across generations.
MBRRACE-UK revealed that 11% of maternal deaths were associated with domestic abuse. However, the report highlights gaps in documentation, indicating missed opportunities to address abuse during pregnancy.
Since 2000, the Department of Health has recommended that maternity services routinely inquire about domestic abuse, aiming to provide timely support and intervention.
The perinatal period represents a critical window to support parents experiencing domestic abuse. Midwives and health visitors, and healthcare services more broadly, are frontline advocates in breaking the cycle of abuse and safeguarding the health and well-being of both parents and babies.
Reach out
We currently have For Baby’s Sake teams operating in Blackpool, London and the South of England, and the East of England. Delivery of the programme is subject to funding and current capacity.
We welcome contact and referrals from healthcare professionals, including midwives, health visitors and doctors in areas where we currently have funding and capacity.
