DVA project wins funding extension

We have recently had our funding extended for the Domestic Violence and Abuse Health project at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital following a successful pilot project. Thank you to the OPCC and MOJ for recognising this important project and extending our funding.

Since the project started in April 2019, our two DVA Advocates have implemented support services for victims and survivors. They receive referrals from all departments across the hospital for both patients, relatives and staff members. In the last two years our advocates have supported and made a difference to the lives of hundreds of victims. Our advocates carry a caseload and their support for victims is safety-led, trauma-informed and focuses on the needs of the individual. Survivors are also invited to attend Pattern Changing, a support group run by our advocates where clients can build up their self-esteem and learn to never become a chronic victim of abuse.

This is an important service in the health sector where we are able to reach and support many hidden victims who do not necessarily report to the police. While they may not report to the police, many victims are accessing health services for one reason or another and while they are in hospital it is crucial to offer domestic abuse support before a situation escalates. Therefore, a significant part of the project is to train NHS staff to be more aware of domestic abuse. The training staff receive includes how to ask if someone is experiencing abuse, how to encourage disclosures, spotting the signs of domestic abuse whether physical or behavioural, and how to offer a referral for support. We understand that it can be hard to talk about abuse and this is something our advocates are trying to change across Hampshire Hospitals.

We hope that the government and healthcare sector recognise the value of having domestic abuse advocates within hospitals and other health settings. This project has undoubtedly saved lives and prevented further abuse from happening. We believe it’s an essential service for victims and we couldn’t be prouder of our staff involved in this project.