As midwives and MSWs, we spend our working lives supporting the women in our care. Not only that, but most of the people we work alongside are also women. Think about all those women – hundreds, probably thousands of them – that cross our paths. And now consider that the recent crime survey for England and Wales recorded 1.4 million female victims of domestic abuse crimes in the year ending March 2024, while in Scotland recording of incidents of domestic abuse in 2023-24 saw an increase of 3% to 63,867.
We are seeing an almost epidemic of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the UK, to the extent that the police chiefs have asked the Government to classify VAWG as an act of terrorism. While the statistics trending upward could be an effect of greater reporting, the fact is that women and girls are experiencing harm on a daily basis. Violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence has an impact on children too, who are likely to suffer behavioural or emotional disturbance and either becoming perpetrators or may experience violence themselves in later life.
Why are we talking about this now? Well, today (25 November) is the start of 16 Days of Activism, a global campaign to highlight the impact of VAWG, ending on UN Human Rights Day (10 December). This is an opportunity to promote the safety and rights of women and protect them from this pandemic of abuse and assault, from the misogyny and harassment, particularly faced by women in the public eye, through to the physical and sexual violence perpetrated not just by strangers, but more often by a man known to the victim.
As midwives, we support women at their most vulnerable, and we know that previous experience of abuse or violence may impact on how they engage with care – and the way in which we support them. During the 16 Days, the RCM will be providing resources and information on VAWG , including the i-learn module on domestic abuse with the overall aim of helping midwives identify and support women experiencing abuse and violence. Pregnancy presents a heightened risk of abuse for women. Midwives have unique insights into the lives of women and are well-placed to identify, support, and refer women as appropriate to services. The midwife’s action does not stop with listening and supporting victims, or documenting the abuse, but encouraging women to report the abuse with expert support is crucial. We need to be mindful that not all victims of domestic abuse want to report the abuse to the police. It takes seven attempts before victims have the courage to report abuse and violence against them. It is crucial that midwives document every interaction with victims and provide extra antenatal and postnatal support for them
Of course, midwives, MSWs and other maternity staff are not immune from domestic abuse. The RCM’s charity partner, Cavell, can provide support to members who have experienced, or continue to experience, abuse. This includes advice and financial grants to allow them to rebuild their lives when fleeing from abuse. There is no shame, there is no stigma. But there is a community ready, willing and able to support you.
