Abuse victims set to get new specialist support from NHS
Victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence across England will receive improved support through new NHS measures announced by the government.
The changes include a new referral service that will allow GPs to connect patients directly with specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence services in their local area.
GP practice staff will also receive training to help them better identify signs of abuse and respond appropriately.
Child victims of sexual abuse will have access to specialist, trauma-informed care, backed by up to £50 million in funding for therapeutic support.
These measures form part of the government’s wider Violence Against Women and Girls strategy, which aims to deploy the full power of the state in what has been described as the largest crackdown on violence against women and girls in British history.
In the past year alone, one in eight women experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking. While the NHS is often the first service to come into contact with victims, support routes have not always been available.
A new national NHS programme, known as Steps to Safety, will ensure dedicated referral services are in place in every area of England by 2029, ending the postcode lottery where access to support depends on where someone lives.
The government says the reforms will help victims and survivors get the care they need, while working towards its goal of halving violence against women and girls.