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New health taskforce to spot signs of violence against women

  • Last modified date:
    14 May 2009
NHS staff in training.

A new taskforce of health professionals working together to spot early signs of violence and abuse against women and girls, investigate the scale of the problem and ensure victims across the NHS get the support they need was announced today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and Health Secretary Alan Johnson.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:

'Violence against women and girls is completely unacceptable and we must all see it as our duty to step in and help someone who is at risk. This is not limited to friends and family; as we said in our consultation document, we need a wide range of workers on the frontline to be alert to the signs of violence against women and girls and able to provide support.

'I want to make sure that vulnerable women or victims who access healthcare can also get help and advice about protecting themselves as well as information about local support services.

'That is why we need this new taskforce - violence against women and girls is a public health issue affecting the lives of thousands of NHS patients every year and we need to do all we can together to prevent violence from occurring.'

'The taskforce will help us to ensure that all NHS staff are trained to care for women and girls and help prevent further abuse'.

- Health Secretary Alan Johnson

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said:

'Almost one in three women will experience domestic violence at some point during their lives and nearly one in four will experience some form of sexual assault. This taskforce will bring together health professionals and women's organisations to help tackle violence against women and girls by responding to its early signs and supporting its victims.

'Many women who have suffered violence and abuse turn to GPs and A and E for support and treatment - the taskforce will help us to ensure that all NHS staff are trained to care for women and girls and help prevent further abuse.

'We are also continuing to support the National Domestic Violence helpline for women so they can safely get the help they need at any time.'

Professor George Alberti said:

'Violence and abuse against women and girls is an enormously important and rather a neglected area. I am delighted to have been invited to lead this taskforce to help better support victims and protect them from further harm.

'The taskforce will bring together people with a range of different skills and experience to help tackle violence and abuse against women and girls. We will also ensure that the voices and experiences of victims themselves are properly represented.'

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