Knowledge and experience of domestic violence

Abstract

This study was funded by the Home Office Crime Reduction Programme Violence Against Women. The study used a survey approach in order to obtain information on the amount of knowledge staff in an Obstetric and Gynaecology Directorate had regarding domestic violence. Doctors, Midwives and Nurses in the Unit were asked to complete a questionnaire which focused on their knowledge of the subject in relation to women's health, the impact domestic violence has on gynaecological conditions and the impact on childbirth. The Unit has a strategy in place for women to disclose domestic violence and staff were asked how often women used it. Staff were also asked to disclose their own experience of domestic violence. From the results of the questionnaire, staff identified a limited knowledge of domestic violence and women's health, the strategy in the Unit was not successful and prevalence of domestic abuse amongst the staff to be 21.77%, similar to the national statistic of 23%.