Advancing equalities in Perinatal Mental Health: Domestic Abuse Webinar

This webinar addresses the critical intersection between perinatal mental health and domestic violence and abuse.

Background context

In the UK, 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse, with 30% of cases starting during pregnancy. On average 2 women are killed every week in the UK as a result of domestic abuse. Young women are more commonly affected than older women, including by domestic homicide and severe, repeated abuse. Government estimates in 2016 found that domestic abuse costs £77bn per year, 2.3bn of which are costs to health services.

Mental health conditions have a well-established link with domestic abuse. 60-70% of women accessing general mental health services have experienced domestic abuse. Women with antenatal and postnatal depression are three times more likely to report experiencing domestic abuse, including during pregnancy, than women without perinatal depression.

These statistics highlight an urgent need for greater awareness, early intervention, and integrated care.

Aim

The shared learning webinar aims to:

• provide PMH professionals and those working across the PMH pathway with insight of how DV&A impacts women’s maternal mental health and their ability to access support
• share research and good practice examples to better support and safeguard women, babies and families
• we anticipate that the webinar will cover topics such as recording, reporting, what works and barriers.

Questions about this event?

Name: Perinatal Mental Health Team

Email: england.perinatalmh@nhs.net

Telephone: 07736 484436