GPs to refer domestic abuse victims to specialist services

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By Lily Canter

GPs will be able to refer patients experiencing domestic abuse directly to specialist support services in 12 areas of England under a £34 million government scheme.

The funding, announced by health secretary Yvette Cooper at the Labour Party conference, will support the first phase of the government’s Steps to Safety referral service.

Although funded through the government’s violence against women and girls programme, the service is intended for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence more broadly, including men and boys.

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) welcomed the latest announcement as patients can disclose abuse to GPs, but said adequate services and referral pathways would be essential.

Just over £34 million will be provided over three years for the first phase in 12 integrated care boards (ICBs), while a further £15 million will be invested in victim support services through ICBs across England.

The government said the funding formed part of a wider £49 million package to strengthen the NHS response to violence against women and girls, which Cooper described as a “public health epidemic”.