Communities and Culture Committee

Scrutiny Inquiry : Domestic Abuse

Response from Cwm Taf NHS Trust

Date 06.05.08

1. The availability and accessibility of support for different groups

Trust Child Protection, Vulnerable Adult and Domestic Abuse forums established. Domestic abuse pathway and risk assessment established in Midwifery and Health Visiting. Training now being delivered to staff working in Accident and Emergency units. Pathway also includes referral systems. Employee of Trust is the Welsh lead working with Welsh Assembly Government in the pathway development and training.

Written procedure in place 'Supporting staff that are experiencing Domestic abuse’ this identifies domestic abuse contact advisors and access to counselling through occupational health or referral to relevant agencies.

2. Provision of services for adults and children who have suffered sexual abuse within domestic context.

Policies regarding Child Protection & Vulnerable Adult established. Trust employee working with disciplines on the development of action plan for Sexual Violence and Abuse.

3. The response of different sectors to domestic abuse.

Risk assessment tool on the pathway has been developed from the work of South Wales Police (PPD1 form) therefore the same levels and thresholds for referrals are made, with high risk cases being referred to Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC). Information is shared from Police via the PPD1 to health and social services were young child are involved or the women is pregnant.

4. How the national strategy is delivered at a local level

Domestic abuse training, involving local agencies, documentation on the pathway and referral processes in place in midwifery and health visiting. Training rolling out in A&E, gynaecology and sexual health.

5. The allocation of resources

Staff resources: Trust employees Chair and members of Merthyr Tydfil & RCT domestic abuse forums. Employee member on the working group for the development of Merthyr Tydfil’s integrated partnership team.

6. Statistical evidence

Trust employee involved in research in A&E, identifying the number of assaults that are domestic related, this has lead to publications and conference papers.

Trust included in an International research networking group reviewing evidence and best practice with regard to family abuse, including partner, child and elder abuse.

Trust employee Welsh lead in collecting and collating the audit findings on routine enquiry in the antenatal period before sending to Welsh Assembly Government.

7. The impact of isolation

Further work is required with regard to involving further professional staff regarding training, documentation and referral this needs to include G P’s Practice Nurses and ambulance staff. This will require a robust health Information Sharing document, as confidentiality and seeing clients/patients alone remains the main barrier to asking about domestic abuse.

Developments also need to be formalised to include Health with SARCs

8. Processes for monitoring and evaluating outcomes

Domestic abuse pathway in Health included as a Welsh Risk Pool standard. Audit findings sent to Welsh Assembly Government with regard to antenatal screening.

Staff training audit recorded.

Ruth Walker
Director of Nursing
9^th May 2008