Sgt Andy Verreydt, Partnership Development Officer

Police

Sgt Andy Verreydt

Aberdeen City Council

Broad Street

Aberdeen

AB10 1AX

Tel - 01224 522865

 

Sgt Cathel Macleod

Grampian Police

Bucksburn Police office

Inverurie Road

Aberdeen

AB21 9AS

Tel - 01224 306815

 

Fiona Mathers

Alcohol Support Ltd

62 Dee Street

Aberdeen

AB11 9DS

Tel - 01224 573887

 

Accident and Emergency Based Domestic Abuse Support Workers

Aberdeen City

Victims of domestic abuse and their children

Domestic Abuse

Tertiary

The Scottish Executive in the National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland acknowledged that 'there is a need to develop statistical information, undertake monitoring and consultation...developing consistent methods of collection and systems alongside other initiatives.'  Therefore in identifying additional and previously unknown victims, particularly those who are repeat victims of violence, the aims of the national strategy are complied with:

Prevention - support workers provide advice and assistance to allow victims to make informed decisions to prevent repeat victimisation.

Protection - victims are encouraged to report incidents to the police in order to demonstrate that this activity is totally unacceptable.

Provision - victims (and their children) would be offered support and referral to other agencies that might assist them in rebuilding their lives, especially if they are rendered homeless, have self harmed, attempted suicide or have experienced alcohol or substance misuse. Alcohol Support Ltd can offer safe and welcoming accommodation for victims who have been treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

The approach although initially driven by the police was also a partnership venture involving Alcohol Support Ltd and NHS Grampian. The group successfully applied for £50, 000 funding from the Scottish Executive's Violence Against Women Fund for a 12 month pilot based at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Accident and Emergency department.

The pilot involved two dedicated Domestic Abuse Support Workers being based within A&E during peak times (generally weekends) to receive referrals from Nursing, Clinical and Reception Staff.

The two support workers are primarily based within their office accommodation in A&E but are also available to attend other parts of the hospital, including the maternity hospital.

Following the national launch of the Unscheduled Care Collaborative Programme in May 2005, the critical importance of an integrated care approach has been recognised. The duty of care to the patient or victim is paramount and all steps must be taken to improve access and reduce waits and delays. Therefore by identifying victims of violence or abuse at an early stage it will be possible to ensure the patient's journey through the medical system is seamless.  The immediate benefit will be to ensure that waiting times are not breached and clinical or nursing staff are not unduly distracted and a reduction in  recurring admissions arising out of violent incidents.

The support workers work in partnership with colleagues from the Aberdeen Domestic Abuse Project, who traditionally only work during regular business hours.

Alcohol Support Ltd, NHS Grampian

The funding from the Scottish Executive is for an initial period of 12 months. Throughout this time a rolling evaluation will be carried out as an approach will require to be made to NHS Grampian and Aberdeen City Council in the latter stages to try and obtain permanent funding for the Support Workers. The pilot media launch will be February 2007.

Unknown meantime

Awaits Evaluation

None meantime

Awaiting evaluation though the potential for the project is significant. The key factor in its success will be the Support Workers successfully engaging with hospital staff from whom they will receive the referrals. A training programme is already underway to raise the profile of the project, to educate staff on recognising the signs of domestic abuse and then broaching the subject with them.