A CHILD abuse case has sparked calls for Redditch health commissioners to consider better domestic violence training for NHS staff .
The recommendation comes after members of Redditch and Bromsgrove’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) heard about a young boy who was neglected and abused despite Child Protection Plans in place.
Harry’s Story saw the child and his siblings suffer emotional and physical torment for over ten years because they were too fearful to speak out.
The boy’s mother also said had she been aware of the support available, she also would have alerted services to the problems.
The report was presented by Ellen Footman, designated nurse for safeguarding, at a meeting on May 28.
She said the key to encouraging victim disclosures was making them feel safe, while improved links between safeguarding and domestic abuse incidents could prevent future cases of harm.
Recommendations for frontline staff included more rigorous routine enquiries regarding domestic abuse by health visitors, school nurses and GPs.
It followed a similar practice by midwives where pregnancy was identified as a key trigger in murder cases, prompting midwives to ‘routinely enquire’ about domestic abuse or previous partners who showed abusive tendencies.
Figures also show two children and two women die on average every week as a result of domestic abuse in the UK.
Mrs Footman added GPs should also be asking the same questions following a recent stabbing where a pregnant woman was attacked by her previous partner.
In response, Dr Jonathan Wells, chair of the CCG, said: “It is always shocking these things are still happening in this day and age.”
Speaking after the meeting, Caroline Spelman, MP for Meriden and domestic abuse campaigner, said councils and police forces must also do more to integrate safeguarding procedures into their social services.
The governing body will now consider whether basic training should be mandatory for all frontline NHS staff.
