I've just done an assignment on Domestic Abuse in pregnancy...
It made me realise that, no we aren't equipped to 'deal' with it..
Yes we 'ask' it as routine enquiry because we 'have to' but many studies have shown that we dont 'like' asking or just dont... and then when we get a reply of 'yes im been abused' we don't know how to deal with it.. we cant deal with the consequences of asking the question...
There needs to be WAY more training on asking the question and then even more training of deal with the consequences...
Not just midwives either, all healthcare professionals need the same training...
I think one thing that really got to me when I was doing this assignment is that in my trust there is no 'specialist' midwife or even a guideline or policy for domestic abuse!! It really shocked me! I put it as a recommendation in my assignment and got good feedback for it
