Health staff to help cut domestic violence

Victims of domestic violence are to be told by nurses, social workers and health visitors about how they can use the law to protect themselves from abusive partners.

In the past, health professionals have been told not to interfere in domestic violence cases. But guidance from the Lord Chancellor's Department will ask them to actively offer legal remedies to victims.

Rosie Winterton, a minister at the Lord Chancellor's Department, has published a detailed guide for health and social service workers who may find themselves treating a victim of abuse. She believes many battered women are unaware of the range of legal remedies. "As a society we should no longer be prepared to tolerate such behaviour and must continue to send clear messages to victims and perpetrators alike that acts of domestic violence are taken seriously," she said.

The guide outlines "civil remedies and criminal sanctions" available to victims, including non-molestation and occupation orders. The Government is preparing a White Paper including stronger penalties for violent partners.