Whole Health London Report Launch Event
'Why we need a whole-health approach to domestic abuse in London'
Wed, 31 March 2021 09:30 – 11:00 BST
To mark the launch of our new report from the Whole Health London project, funded by City Bridge Trust and supported by an Advisory Group of experts from organisation across the capital and beyond. The report showcases the experiences of 64 survivors of domestic abuse who recently used health services in London, highlights the ways in which the capital is a leader in health-based domestic abuse innovation, and maps the current gaps in provision.
We have also launched a pledge campaign calling on policy-makers across London to fill these gaps and increase the provision; domestic abuse has a profound impact on our physical and mental health so it is vital that health services are an active part of the solution to give victims the help they so urgently need.
A whole-health approach will help transform the health response to victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse across the capital. We know only one in five victims calls the police – but many more access health services. Whether a GP’s surgery, a maternity unit, or a mental health services, health providers are well placed to spot the signs of domestic abuse and provide immediate support and information.
Panel:
- Suzanne Jacob, CEO of SafeLives, event chair
- R - a survivor of domestic abuse who had to navigate the healthcare system as a migrant woman;
- Meena Patel, Development and Finance Manager at Southall Black Sisters, a not-for-profit, secular and inclusive organisation, meeting the needs of Black (Asian and African-Caribbean) women;
- Medina Johnson, CEO of IRISi, a social enterprise established to promote and improve the healthcare response to gender-based violence;
- Whole Health London report authors, Jess Asato, SafeLives Head of Public Affairs and Policy, and Verona Blackford, SafeLives Public Affairs and Policy Officer.
Event Recording: