An estimated 20,000 disclosures of domestic abuse are made to maternity services in England every year, according to new analysis, which experts say is likely an underestimate of the true scale.
Key facts
- About 20,000 disclosures of domestic abuse are estimated to be made to maternity services in England every year.
- Experts say the figures are likely an underestimate of the true scale of disclosures.
- The analysis highlights the role maternity professionals play in identifying abuse.
- Midwives are reported to be struggling to cope with the demand.
- The findings were reported exclusively by the Guardian.
About 20,000 disclosures of domestic abuse are estimated to be made to maternity services in England every year, according to new analysis reported by the Guardian. The findings point to the significant role that maternity professionals play in identifying abuse among pregnant women.
Experts told the Guardian that the figures are likely to be an underestimate of the true scale of disclosures. This suggests that the number of pregnant women experiencing domestic abuse could be considerably higher than the recorded total.
The Guardian described the analysis as laying bare something that midwives already know from their day-to-day work, indicating that frontline maternity staff have long been aware of the prevalence of abuse among the women in their care.
According to the report, midwives are struggling to cope with the scale of disclosures. The pressure on maternity services underscores the demands placed on professionals who are often among the first to identify signs of abuse.
The analysis emphasises the position of maternity services as a key point of contact for women who may be experiencing domestic abuse, placing maternity professionals in a critical role in both identifying cases and supporting those affected.
Why it matters
Pregnancy is a period when women are in regular contact with health services, making maternity professionals well placed to identify and respond to domestic abuse. The scale of disclosures, and warnings that the real figure is higher, raise questions about whether services have the resources to support both patients and the staff who are struggling to cope.
Frequently asked questions
How many pregnant women report domestic abuse to maternity services in England each year?
Analysis estimates that about 20,000 disclosures of domestic abuse are made to maternity services in England every year, according to the Guardian.
Is the reported figure considered accurate?
Experts say the figures are likely to be an underestimate of the true scale of disclosures, meaning the real number could be higher.
What role do maternity professionals play in identifying abuse?
The analysis highlights that maternity professionals play a key role in identifying domestic abuse, as they are often in regular contact with pregnant women.