Health workers 'should get domestic violence training'
All health workers should be trained to deal with women who have suffered violent attacks, campaigners claimed today.
The Women’s Health Council said nurses and medics should have the skills to recognise physical, sexual and emotional attacks on women.
The agency also wants improved data collection in the health service so the extent and impact of violence against women can be properly documented.
The Violence Against Women and Health report also noted across Europe more women die or are seriously injured every year through domestic violence than through cancer or road accidents.
Geraldine Luddy, Women’s Health Council director, said: “We feel very strongly that a health focused approach is necessary to address the needs of women who are experiencing violence.
“We know from international and Irish research that this is necessary for three reasons – There is more and more evidence to show that violence and abuse are a major cause of disability and ill health for women.
“While women are often reluctant to contact the police, they do access health services either to address their injuries or seeking routine care for themselves or their children. So health professionals are uniquely placed to assist them and provide support to them.
“Violence against women has a significant impact on the health service and on its resources which are often unidentified.”
Dr Maurice Manning, president of the Irish Human Right Commission, commended the Women’s Health Council for the report.
It contains statistics on the level of domestic violence in Ireland.
One in seven women experienced severe abusive behaviour of a physical, sexual or emotional nature from a partner some time in their lives.
One in 11 had experienced severe physical abuse, one in 12 suffered sexual abuse and one in 13 experienced severe emotional abuse.
The figures were taken from the National Crime Council report in 2005.
The well documented Savi report from 2002 found more than one in four women reported some form of sexual abuse or assault in their lifetime.
Meanwhile, a commemoration service remembering the 138 who died violently since 1996 is being held in St Patrick’s Church, Ringsend, Dublin tonight.
Anne Delcassian, whose sister Irene was murdered in her home in Dundalk in April 2005, will give the opening address. Letters of solidarity from President Mary McAleese and Pope Benedict XVI will also be read out.
