St. Vincent’s University Hospital Launches “Domestic Violence Pathway” Initiative in Emergency Department to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month

8th October 2024

St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) today announced the launch of its new Domestic Violence Pathway in the Emergency Department (ED), designed to offer immediate, confidential support in a safe environment for patients who experience Domestic Violence. The event was led by Prof Michael Keane, Interim CEO of SVUH and Dr John Cronin, Emergency Medicine Consultant with keynote addresses by representatives from Women’s Aid and Men’s Development Network.

Domestic Violence statistics at SVUH:

An audit at SVUH revealed that from January to July 2023, 41 patients disclosed being assaulted by someone they know, but only 18 were referred to our Medical Social Work Department. This initiative aims to close that gap by increasing awareness, improving staff training and encouraging more patients to seek the help they need.

The goal of this initiative is to empower Emergency Department (ED) staff with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively identify and respond to disclosures of Domestic Violence, particularly when the social work service is unavailable, such as during weekends or outside regular hours.  This approach will ensure that individuals affected by domestic violence receive timely, compassionate care and are connected to appropriate resources, even when the social wok team is not on-site.  By providing Emergency Department staff with the skills to intervene and offer immediate support, we aim to ensure a continuous continuum of services for those affected by domestic violence. Ultimately, this initiative enhances the ED’s capacity to act as a critical touchpoint for vulnerable patients, ensuring they are not left without assistance during critical moments. This will contribute to better outcomes for patients and a more integrated response across the healthcare system.

Prof Michael Keane, Interim CEO of SVUH, said, “”Domestic violence is one of the most pressing and often hidden crises in our society. As healthcare providers, we have a moral responsibility to be more than just caregivers, we must be advocates for safety and change. The Domestic Violence Pathway will help ensure that anyone who enters our Emergency Department seeking help knows they are not alone. This initiative is about giving people trapped in fear a lifeline, providing them with practical tools, real support and helping them take back control of their lives and their safety.”

Dr John Cronin, Emergency Medicine Consultant, emphasised the critical role of staff in this initiative: “In the Emergency Department, we see first-hand the devastating physical and emotional impacts of domestic violence. With the Domestic Violence Pathway, we are equipping our staff with the training and resources needed to recognise and respond to the signs of abuse. Our goal is to ensure that patients affected by domestic violence know they have a safe space here, where help is available the moment they are ready to seek it.”

Louise Morgan, Head Medical Social Worker, said “The launch of the Domestic Violence Pathway is a vital step towards continuing to create a compassionate and supportive environment for individuals affected by domestic violence. We understand that seeking help can be daunting and our goal is to ensure that every individual who walks through our doors feels safe, valued and empowered. Together, we are committed to ensuring all staff are equipped with the knowledge to provide the necessary support and resources for those in need.”

Overview of the initiative:

The Domestic Violence Pathway is a comprehensive support system that ensures patients feel safe to talk about their experiences, offering:

• Clear contact details and QR codes displayed throughout the Emergency Department, directly linking to national support services such as Women’s Aid and Men’s Development Network, ensuring quick and discreet access to help at any time.
• Information on obtaining court orders, including safety and protection orders and guidance on the application process.
• Assistance in developing safety plans, whether returning home or seeking emergency accommodations like refuges or homeless shelters.
• Resources and follow-up support in both digital and paper formats, including access to trained staff who will help patients navigate the system and take steps towards safety.

 Supporting partnerships:

SVUH is proud to work closely with Women’s Aid and Men’s Development Network. Our team of highly trained Medical Social Workers continue to offer expert, compassionate guidance and comprehensive support to individuals in need, ensuring they receive the necessary care and resources to make informed decisions and navigate their situation safely. The medical social work team ensure staff are equipped with the training and resources needed to recognise and respond to the signs of abuse at any time, day or night.

Training and support:

All SVUH Emergency Department staff have undergone specialised training sessions provided by our Medical Social Work Department. These 45-minute sessions are designed to help staff identify the signs of domestic violence, provide compassionate support and ensure people experiencing domestic abuse receive appropriate follow-up care. The training covers the different forms of abuse- emotional, financial, sexual, psychological, coercive control and physical violence —and how to effectively respond to those in need.

Call to action:

Domestic violence does not discriminate. It affects people of all backgrounds and at SVUH, our doors are always open to anyone in need of help, no matter their story or where they come from. We urge anyone experiencing domestic violence to come to our Emergency Department, where immediate support is available. Posters, information packs and our specially trained staff are ready to provide guidance, helping victims take the first steps towards safety and a new beginning.

For more information, please contact:
Jennie Cotter | Corporate Communications Manager
St. Vincent’s University Hospital