Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South, is growing increasingly concerned that women’s health isn’t considered a key element of the Health and Care Bill. Particular concerns exist over the Bill’s ability to provide better support for survivors of domestic abuse.
Abuse can have devastating, long-term impacts on the health of women that can continue long after an abusive relationship has ended. Karin Smyth is encouraging the Government to ensure this is reflected in the Women’s Health Strategy, for which consultation is currently underway to get the public’s views on women’s health.
This follows a parliamentary reception held by Women’s Aid last week which focused on how best to deliver a whole system response for survivors of domestic abuse. Speakers included domestic abuse survivor Melanie Brown, Jasmine Mohammad of the Angelou Centre, and Farah Nazeer of Women’s Aid, as well as Gillian Keegan, the Minister for Care and Mental Health.
Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South, said:
“Domestic abuse has devastating effects on an individual’s mental health, as well as physical health. It’s incredibly important that we get the Women’s Health Strategy right and that women’s health is considered a key element of the Health and Care Bill.
“Care doesn’t end for women experiencing abuse when they leave their abuser. They need specialist care to help them heal. The parliamentary reception held by Women’s Aid last week was really important in raising awareness of this as we heard first hand experiences from domestic abuse survivors.
“We’re currently experiencing an epidemic of violence against women and girls, and it’s essential that as well as trying to tackle this problem from the root, we are also reflecting this in our health strategy to ensure victims get the physical and mental health support they need.”