Midwives have frontline role to tackle violence against women

Thursday, 11^th March 2010                                       

Midwives have frontline role to tackle

violence against women

Commenting on the release of the report  ‘Responding to violence against women and children – the role of the NHS.’ published today by the Department of Health, Professor Cathy Warwick, General Secretary of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said:

 “This is a very welcome report.  Violence against women and children is an issue that historically has not had enough attention and resources.Midwives have a crucial and frontline role in this, particularly around issues such as female genital mutilation. It is midwives who are often a woman’s first contact with the health service, and it is here that women can find care, help, support and advice.

“The RCM hopes that the NHS will be prepared to act on the recommendations in the report, and be committed to provide the resources to help women with the emotional and physical consequences of violence and abuse. Without this commitment, this report will remain just words on paper and many women will continue to suffer violence and abuse.”

For more information contact the RCM Press Office on 020 7312 3456

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Midwives is the voice of midwifery. We are the UK’s only trade union and professional organisation led by midwives for midwives. The vast majority of the midwifery profession are our members. The RCM promotes midwifery, quality maternity services and professional standards. We support and represent our members individually and collectively in all four UK countries.  We influence on behalf of our members and for the interests of the women and families for which they care.  For more information visit the RCM website at www.rcm.org.uk.