According to The Journal, a new project delivered in partnership between domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid and four Irish maternity hospitals provided support to 379 pregnant victims of domestic abuse over the past three-and-a-half years.
The initiative was implemented at the Rotunda, National Maternity Hospital, Coombe Hospital, and Cork University Maternity Hospital. It aimed to increase practical support for pregnant women experiencing domestic abuse and create environments where they could safely disclose their situations.
Key details:
- Close to 350 maternity care staff received specialist training
- Hospital-based awareness campaigns were held across the country
- A one-to-one support service was established in the three Dublin hospitals
An independent evaluation found that fear, shame, and concerns about having their children taken away often prevented women from asking maternity staff for help. However, one victim shared that the outreach and medical social workers supported her throughout her difficult pregnancy.
Women’s Aid CEO Sarah Benson noted that pregnancy can be an opportune time for intervention, as regular healthcare appointments provide multiple disclosure opportunities and a chance to build trusting relationships.
The program’s success has prompted calls to extend it into a framework for enhancing maternity services’ response to domestic abuse across Ireland. Domestic abuse helplines were also provided for anyone in need of support.