1st March 2016
The Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) welcomes the publication of the NICE domestic violence and abuse quality standard (QS116), published today.
At least 1.4 million women and 700,000 men aged between 16 and 59 experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales in 2013/14 – 8.5% of women and 4.5% of men, according to the Office for National Statistics (2015) Crime Survey England and Wales, 2013–14. Another survey conducted on behalf of the Home Office states that at least 29.9% of women and 17.0% of men in England and Wales have experienced domestic abuse at some time.
Dr Cheryll Adams, Executive Director of the Institute of Health Visiting, said:
“We know that domestic violence can be a significant factor in mental illness and that, even if perpetrated just against the mother, her children will suffer consequences too. Having a quality standard to audit local services against will be very helpful.”
A report from Lancaster University – Cost of domestic violence up-date – estimated the costs associated with domestic violence and abuse in the UK in 2008 to be £15.7 billion. This included over £9.9 billion in ‘human and emotional’ costs, more than £3.8 billion for the criminal justice system, civil legal services, healthcare, social services, housing and refuges, and more than £1.9 billion for the economy (based on time off work for injuries).
Dr Adams continued:
“I hope that investment into training for all those working with young families, when domestic violence and abuse might most easily be identified, will follow. The iHV trained over 300 health visitors in domestic violence and abuse during 2014, with their training then being cascaded to colleagues. This was really welcomed by health visitors.”
—-ENDS —-
For more information please contact: Julie Cooper on 07508 344716 or [email protected]
Notes to editors
NICE Domestic violence and abuse quality standard [QS116] Published date: February 2016
http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs116
About the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV)
• The Institute of Health Visiting is a UK Centre of Excellence supporting the development of universally high-quality health visiting practice. It was launched on 28 November 2012 to promote excellence in health visiting practice to benefit all children, families and communities.
• The aim for the iHV is to raise standards in health visiting practice, so improving public health outcomes for all children, families and communities.
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