Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Justice Minister Naomi Long have jointly launched new regionally consistent guidance designed to help healthcare professionals identify and respond to domestic abuse.

The Routine Enquiry into Domestic Abuse Guidance was unveiled ahead of International Women's Day on 8 March, following a comprehensive review led by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

Routine Enquiry (RE) has been a part of maternity and postnatal care since 2006, involving practitioners asking all women about domestic abuse regardless of whether indicators are present. The new guidance aims to strengthen this process, ensuring midwives, health visitors, school nurses, and family nurses can provide better support, safety planning, and referrals.

The updated document was informed by engagement with domestic abuse survivors and stakeholders across the five Health and Social Care Trusts, with support from the Rowan Centre, Women's Aid, and the Department of Health.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy (DSA), jointly launched by my Department and the Department of Justice in 2024, provides a vision for Northern Ireland as a place where domestic and/or sexual abuse is not tolerated, and everyone can be safe and free from fear.

"A key deliverable is that domestic and/or sexual abuse is identified and responded to earlier. This guidance document aligns with that commitment as it aims to improve and standardise care provided to families who may be experiencing domestic abuse through early identification and intervention. "The guidance was developed in consultation with key stakeholders across the five geographic Health & Social Care Trusts, reflects the findings of the PHA review and crucially, is informed by the recommendations of those with lived experience of domestic abuse."

Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the publication, noting the vital role of nurses as first responders. She stated: "The nature of domestic abuse requires a unique approach, as it is associated with fear and control, and I recognise the important role that nurses, midwives and other health and social care professionals, as first responders, can play in identifying abuse and supporting victims.

"Opportunities for victims to safely share information on what they are experiencing can open a door to help and to justice. This guidance will support the nursing profession by providing the information needed to help them respond appropriately and bring more victims into safety.

"We must all work to ensure that when anyone comes forward to report abuse they receive the right response; have access to guidance, protection and support; and are clear about their options. I am delighted that this guidance has been developed through collaboration including by listening to victims about their experiences."

The guidance focuses on creating a consistent regional approach, increasing the confidence of staff to manage domestic abuse issues, and ensuring effective safeguarding for both children and adults.

Emily Roberts, Interim Director of Nursing at the PHA, added: "Domestic abuse has a damaging and lasting impact on the lives of adults, children and young people right across Northern Ireland. It is prevalent in every community and can affect people of all ages, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race or religion.

"This guidance will help equip organisations, midwives, health visitors and family nurses with the understanding, awareness and training to ask the right questions and respond appropriately to help address domestic abuse."