Ministers take steps to help women 'at risk'

The government on Wednesday launched a new taskforce of health professionals working together to identify early signs of violence against women.

At the launch, home secretary Jacqui Smith also announced measures to review the evidence on the present healthcare needs of women who had been victims of violence.

Joined by health secretary Alan Johnson, the pair unveiled the taskforce in response to issues raised during the consultation on 'violence against women and girls'.

The proposals include helping health workers to identify earlier women and girls who are victims of violence and abuse.

Additionally, the government has promised to inject more funding into the 24-hour National Domestic Violence helpline, increasing total support to £1m this year.

Former National Clinical Director for Emergency Access and Service Design, Professor Sir George Alberti, is to lead the work of the taskforce.

Speaking at the launch, Smith said: "Violence against women and girls is completely unacceptable and we must all see it as our duty to step in and help someone who is at risk."

The home secretary stated the need for frontline workers to be aware of the signs of violence against women and girls, with an ability to provide targeted support.

She added: "Violence against women and girls is a public health issue affecting the lives of thousands of NHS patients every year and we need to do all we can together to prevent violence from occurring."

Health secretary, Alan Johnson said the taskforce will work to ensure that all NHS staff are trained to care for women and girls and help towards the prevention of further abuse.

"Almost 1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence at some point during their lives, and nearly 1 in 4 will experience some form of sexual assault," Johnson explained.

"This taskforce will bring together health professionals and women's organisations to help tackle violence against women and girls by responding to its early signs and supporting its victims."