Tackling the Health and Mental Health Effects of Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse

• NCJ Number: 214802
• Author(s): Catherine Itzin
• Date Published: March 2006
• Length: 95 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: UK Dept of Health (DH)
• Corporate Author: Great Britain Home Office; Victims of Violence and Abuse Programme (VVAPP)
• Sale Source: DH Publications Orderline
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: Downloaded July 11, 2006.

Annotation

This report describes Great Britain's 2-year program currently underway to address mental and physical ill health among children, adolescents, and adults who have been victims of abuse and domestic and sexual violence.

Abstract

The purpose of the program is to ensure that services and professionals in all sectors and settings are prepared to identify and respond to the mental and physical health needs of these victims. To achieve this goal, the VVAPP will develop national service guidelines based on program research pertinent to policy, practice, and access to appropriate services. This report highlights the important role played by volunteer organizations and community resources in developing and providing services to victims. The program's first stage will focus on obtaining data and information from research and experts that will inform future policies on prevention and services. This information will be used to support the development of services and improvements in practice in various sectors. Sponsored by the Department of Health and National Institute for Mental Health in England in partnership with the Home Office, the Victims of Violence and Abuse Prevention Program (VVAPP) was created because of the United Kingdom's high incidence of domestic and sexual violence and child abuse, along with strong evidence of mental and physical ill health caused by these crimes. This report presents a strategic framework that includes the objectives, actions, and change required to improve outcomes for victims of violence and abuse. Outcomes will be measured in terms of reduced mental illness, self-harm, suicide, and physical injury associated with victimization; improvement in victims' mental and physical health and quality of life; reduction in repeat victimization; and a reduction in reoffending by perpetrators of the violence and abuse. 66 references and appended strategic framework and an outline of program objectives for various targeted service providers