News

Family doctors in Glasgow are treating more women and children for domestic violence than for cancer, heart disease or diabetes, according to a survey by Greater Glasgow Health Board (GGHB).

The number of women visiting GPs as a result of domestic abuse is comparable to the level of demand for family planning services or the treatment of infections.

The survey, presented at a board meeting of GGHB, highlighted the fact that many doctors were unaware that domestic violence was the underlying reason for a high proportion of consultations and said urgent training was needed to respond to an issue estimated to be costing the board £18 million a year.

Across the UK research shows that a quarter of women face violence from a partner or former partner. Almost one in seven women have been raped by their partners while sexual abuse is experienced by one in eight boys and one in 12 girls.

Sue Laughlin, women's health co-ordinator for GGHB, said: "We know from the study that staff are under pressure at casualty units and the pace there means they may not be best placed to deal with someone who has suffered abuse."

GGHB has been running a pilot training scheme at Glasgow Royal Infirmary with counsellors on hand to support women identified as suffering domestic abuse. The board now intend to introduce training for all hospital staff city-wide.

Laughlin said: "By making more resources available we hope staff will be able to deal more appropriately with these patients."