IRISi, in partnership with local organisations, has officially launched the groundbreaking IRIS programme across Sefton, Halton and Herefordshire, marking a pivotal advancement in healthcare responses to Domestic Abuse. Commissioned by Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse (STADA) with funding from the Home Office, the initiative aims to integrate the gold standard IRIS model into local general practices, ensuring more effective identification and support for survivors of Domestic Abuse. The collaboration underscores the critical role of healthcare professionals in addressing this issue and the importance of equipping them with the necessary tools and training.
Herefordshire: Spearheading transformation in healthcare
The launch of the IRIS programme in Herefordshire in mid-February 2024 marked a significant step forward in addressing Domestic Abuse within the healthcare system. “The response from GPs, health professionals and the reception and administration teams has been overwhelming. In less than four months, 11 GP practices [out of 20 within the county] have either completed or booked in dates for their training – and we are confident that the remaining nine surgeries will soon be confirming their dates”, reports Sue Coleman, CEO at West Mercia Women’s Aid (WMWA), the partner organisation delivering the programme locally.
This proactive approach is crucial in a region known for its older demographic and pockets of isolation, where the need for enhanced support mechanisms is acute. Local commissioners and healthcare professionals have long recognised the value of the IRIS model and have been eager to implement it. The collaboration between IRISi, WMWA, the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and STADA was instrumental in securing the necessary funding – but, moreover, this collective effort underscores their dedication to bringing the gold standard IRIS model to their practices, ensuring better support for survivors.
The implementation of IRIS was also a fitting response to the findings of Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs). “The learning from DHRs having shown health practitioners as the most likely consulted professional in the lives of both victims and perpetrators. For that reason, we are optimistic that IRIS will be a real driver for change in Herefordshire as it enables us to support local professionals and those who are living with Domestic Abuse through the IRIS trained GP practices”, finishes Sue.
Sefton: Empowering healthcare providers through education
In Sefton, the introduction of the IRIS programme, through a partnership with Sefton Women’s Aid and Children’s Aid (SWACA), has sparked enthusiasm among healthcare professionals. Dr Wendy Elizabeth Hewitt, Sefton’s Named Safeguarding GP and Clinical Lead for Children & Maternity at NHS Cheshire & Merseyside, expressed her excitement about the initiative, also highlighting its critical role in addressing gaps identified by DHRs. “Following learning from DHRs (10 commissioned since 2019), we have specifically identified the need for improved Domestic Abuse awareness within primary care and improved pathways between primary care and other partner agencies to reduce risk. We know that the IRIS programme will hugely help support this development”.
Training initiatives have already commenced within local surgeries, complemented by successful face-to-face events attended by many GPs in Sefton. These efforts are expected to significantly bolster clinicians’ ability to identify and refer victims, a positive development that is already underway. As Dr Hewitt highlights, “We are seeing a much greater awareness of Domestic Abuse, among our primary care colleagues improving knowledge and how to respond to it, increasing clinical enquiry and professional curiosity, and ensuring risk is identified and assessed in a consistent way”.
Nat Hendry-Torrance, Designated Professional Safeguarding Adults in Sefton, echoed Dr Hewitt, emphasising the strategic importance of IRIS in tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). “We aim to ensure that all responses are victim-led and the roll out of the IRIS Programme for front line primary care teams is critical in that sense”.
Cllr Liz Dowd, the Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, and the Chair of the Sefton Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, emphasised the community’s backing for IRISi, highlighting its role in advancing strategic priorities. “We are clear in our Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy (2023-28) that we need to have a Coordinated Community Response to tackling Domestic Abuse. This means we must work in partnership across a variety of sectors and organisations. (…) Primary care teams are crucial to ensuring that risk is identified and assessed in a consistent way to help keep victims safe. Therefore, we would wholeheartedly welcome the introduction of the IRIS model in Sefton which would directly contribute to achieving some of these objectives within primary care”.
Halton: Catalysing community support against Domestic Abuse
In Halton, where the IRIS programme is delivered in partnership with Halton Domestic Abuse Service, the initiative is already making a substantial impact. For Tricia Mullen, Designated Nurse Adult Safeguarding, “Domestic Abuse is a whole system issue and IRIS is raising awareness of this issue amongst general practice staff”.
The IRIS model provides a robust support network, creating a seamless pathway for survivors to access tailored resources and services. This integrated approach not only enhances the immediate safety and well-being of those affected but also promotes long-term recovery and resilience. That is how the programme has been playing a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and preventing future harm. “[IRIS] has been supporting GP staff to identify survivors and facilitate onward referrals. This allows timely support, aiming to prevent future harm to the person, family and community. The programme has the potential to make a huge difference to the lives of Halton residents”, Tricia concludes.
IRIS and STADA partnership: commitment to transformative change
Alison Maynard, Senior Regional Lead for Whole Health – North of England at Standing Together, celebrates the launch of IRIS across these areas, highlighting its success in bringing together key partners for a Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Abuse. “Following our mapping, it was essential to commission an evidence-based intervention to ensure an effective and sustainable programme was being implemented. As the gold standard for a primary care Domestic Abuse response, IRIS will be providing a crucial service for victim-survivors and health professionals alike.”
“We are delighted to have been commissioned by STADA to bring the IRIS programme to these areas, ensuring better clinical practice around Domestic Abuse to better support patients”, says Medina Johnson, CEO of IRISi. IRISi is now set to expand its presence across these areas, strengthening a collaborative approach to addressing Domestic Abuse and fostering resilient communities. This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of healthcare professionals eager to integrate IRIS into their practices. “Stakeholders in these areas have long sought to secure funding for the programme, and we are delighted to have been awarded this opportunity “, says Johnson.
Through these concerted efforts, IRISi, STADA and local partners are setting a new standard for a comprehensive healthcare response to Domestic Abuse. Their work ensures that survivors receive the support they deserve, enabling communities to thrive. The national expansion of the IRIS programme not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters sustainable systemic change, establishing a coordinated community response to Domestic Abuse that can serve as a model for other regions.
