Domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault, prostitution, child sexual abuse and other forms of gender-based violence cause immense pain and suffering and are a major public health issue. The emotional, psychological and physical consequences of gender-based violence can be profound and include fatal injury, physical health problems, chronic conditions, mental health problems and negative health behaviours.
Many people affected by gender-based violence are reluctant to disclose this experience, often through fear or shame. However, they do present across the whole range of primary and acute health settings. Health workers are therefore in a unique position to provide help and support. If we do not ask about or respond to gender-based violence there is a danger that the health issue won’t be treated properly and an increased the risk of long-term and chronic ill-health and even death.
Health workers across the whole of the health service need to know about gender-based violence, what to look for and how to respond. This is fundamental to our duty of care to patients and part of our role to promote gender equality.
The prevention of gender-based violence and the care of people experiencing it is a key priority for public protection within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
View our Human Trafficking Resources
Key NHSGGC Documents
- Child Tax/Universal Credit Two Child Cap Exemption – Letter from Chief Medical Officerhttp://child tax
- Female Genital Mutilation – Staff Briefing Paper
- Female Genital Mutilation Care Pathway for Revision
- Forced Marriage Policy and Guidance on its Implementation
- Gender-based Violence – Employee Policy
- Gender-based Violence – Employee Policy: Management Guidance
- Gender-based Violence – Guidance for Staff Identifying and Responding to Patient Experience of GBV
- Gender-based Violence – Key Elements Tool
- Gender-based Violence Guideline – Emergency Department and Minor Injuries Unit
- Human Trafficking Resources
Other Publications
- Adult Support & Protection Improvement Plan 2019-22
- COVID-19 Supplementary National Violence Against Women Guidance
- COVID-19 Supplementary National Violence Against Women Guidance Exec Summary
- Domestic Abuse – Joint protocol between Police Scotland and the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service
- Equally Safe: Scotland’s strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls (1)
- Female Genital Mutilation – A Statement Opposing Female Genital Mutilation (Arabic)
- Female Genital Mutilation – A Statement Opposing Female Genital Mutilation (French)
- Female Genital Mutilation – A Statement Opposing Female Genital Mutilation (signed)
- Female Genital Mutilation – A Statement Opposing Female Genital Mutilation (Somali)
- Female Genital Mutilation – A Statement Opposing Female Genital Mutilation (Swahili)
- Female Genital Mutilation – Chief Medical Officer letter to Board CEO
- National Guidance Child Protection 2021
Useful Links
- ‘A Strong Man’ – refugee men call for an end to violence against women
- Forced Marriage – Info the Scottish Government
- Homelessness Advice & Information from Glasgow City Council
- LGBT Domestic Abuse Scotland
- Rape Crisis Scotland
- Women’s Support Project – Training on Violence Against Women
- Scottish Women’s Aid – changing attitudes, changing lives