When Head of Safeguarding, Ludmila Ibesaine joined the Trust in September last year, she had one priority on her mind: raising awareness about domestic abuse and creating a safe space for patients and staff.

She approached the Charity for help, and we immediately agreed to fund such an important project.

Ludmila says: “Talking about and dealing with domestic abuse isn’t a taboo subject anymore. We are in a privileged position to listen, believe and do something. We see more and more people being subjected to domestic abuse, we hear about it all over the news, and celebrities are writing books about their own personal experiences.

“One in four women and one in six to seven men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. 62% of children living with domestic abuse are directly harmed by the perpetrator of the abuse and are harmed by witnessing the abuse of others.

“Research shows that most patients will not disclose violence, abuse or neglect unless directly asked. So, we need to ensure that our staff are asking every patient, regardless of whether they show indications of abuse or not, “How safe do you feel?” as part of their everyday normal clinical practice.

“Sadly, my team is also seeing an increase in the number of employees, or line managers contacting us for support or advice around domestic abuse and we need to do everything we can to support them.

“I will be launching the first phase of the campaign internally on 15 July. The event will take place from 9.30 to 3.30pm at Big Shots Golf UK in Harrow. The campaign and the launch itself are supported by key partner agencies such as the local Safeguarding Adult and Children Partnership Boards, local Violence against Women and Girls groups and the Metropolitan Police. Expert speakers and a patient with a lived experience will talk about how we can improve patient and staff experience, prevent abuse and ultimately save lives.

“Attendees will also hear about new legislation, evidence-based research and learning from local reviews.

“The launch campaign will specifically be targeted at ED and maternity staff, but if there are spaces left, other colleagues are welcome to join us.

“Without funding from the Charity, I would not be able to get this campaign off the ground and offer the help and support that our patients and colleagues need".