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October 23, 2004
Antenatal checks to include abuse query
The Guardian October 21, 2004
All pregnant women will be asked during routine antenatal appointments if they have been a victim of domestic violence, ministers announced yesterday at a conference on the issue. The crackdown on domestic violence was launched as research was published which showed that 30% of cases begin or intensify during pregnancy. Women will be asked discreet questions by their midwife or doctor during routine antenatal check-ups. The Department of Health acknowledged that medical staff would have to be careful not to ask sensitive questions in front of the woman's partner. Melanie Johnson, public health minister, said an advisory board had been formed to draw up plans to introduce the scheme. "The fact that domestic violence starts or escalates during pregnancy and is associated with increased risks of miscarriage, low birth weight, premature birth, foetal injury and foetal death makes for stark reading," she said. "By including routine inquiry when women go for antenatal appointments, health professionals may be able to establish whether women are at risk or have experienced any domestic violence during their pregnancy. This is an effective means of ensuring that appropriate support and advice is offered at an early stage." http://society.guardian.co.uk/crimeandpunishment/story/0,8150,1332109,00.html
Posted by Emma at October 23, 2004 06:24 PM
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