Efforts to tackle violence against women and girls ‘important step forward’

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “As GPs, we see the devastating effects that domestic and sexual abuse has on our patients – mostly women and girls – so supporting our teams to identify signs of this violence, and having local services that can help to signpost to, will be an important step forward.

“Most patients do not present to their GP specifically because they are experiencing domestic or sexual abuse. However, the trusted relationships we build with our patients, alongside the safe and confidential environment general practice provides, mean that we may at times be the first professionals to recognise signs of abuse and offer support. This work often relies on having sufficient time with patients to enable open, sensitive, and often distressing conversations to take place.

“Focusing training on the wider general practice team, including both clinical and non-clinical staff, may increase opportunities to identify potential abuse and intervene appropriately. However, training alone is not sufficient; staff must also have the capacity and protected time to build trust and engage in meaningful conversations with patients. It is essential that any new training initiatives introduced across general practice are adequately funded, aligned with existing safeguarding training, and mindful of the time required to complete training alongside the significant workload pressures faced by practices.

“Violence against women and girls has no place in a modern society, and we welcome the Government’s commitment to addressing this issue. While GPs and our colleagues across the NHS already play an important role in supporting those affected, meaningful progress will require a coordinated, society-wide approach.”

Further information

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Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.