ASKING ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The project involved a pilot programme to introduce routine enquiry about domestic violence into self-selected general practices in Gateshead and South Tyneside. Ten GPs and other practice staff from four surgeries took part in the project starting with training on awareness of domestic violence (1 day) and learning how to ask about domestic violence (1 day). The GPs were interviewed once before the training and twice afterwards about their knowledge of domestic violence and their views and concerns about asking about domestic violence. Prior to implementation 621 patients from the four surgeries completed questionnaires about experiences of domestic violence and attitudes to routine enquiry. Few patients (7% of women and 13% of men) thought they would be offended if GPs asked them about domestic violence. By the end of the pilot GPs felt more comfortable about asking about domestic violence, saw it as useful for the doctor-patient relationship and in tackling the basis rather than just the symptoms of patients’ ill health.

Funded by the South Tyneside Primary Care Trust.