An interview study of the impact of domestic violence training on midwives

Abstract

Objectives: to evaluate the impact on midwives of a training programme designed to increase their awareness and understanding of violence against women from men they know.

Design: a cross-sectional survey using semi-structured interviews.

Participants: a stratified sample of 55 midwives who attended training between April 1999 and June 2000 were asked to participate, 26 agreed.

Setting: midwifery services of the Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust.

Results: participants reported greater awareness and understanding of domestic violence, and an increased likelihood of identifying and supporting women, partly through improved knowledge of other helping agencies. However, there was considerable uncertainty over issues of confidentiality and documentation. Practical difficulties were raised in implementing training within the midwifery role; these included time and privacy.

Conclusion: this research adds to the scarce evidence base related to the effectiveness of health-care professionals' training in domestic violence. Further research should also explore the impact of training on women's experiences of healthcare.