Evaluating ADViSE: a domestic abuse intervention in sexual health clinics

Domestic violence and abuse and sexual violence frequently lead to sexual health and gynaecological problems for the women affected. Such abuse often results in sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies.

Women experiencing these issues may visit sexual health clinics.

Sexual health professionals are trusted by their patients with highly sensitive and confidential information. They often work with people who may not access other health care services.

ADViSE (Assessing for Domestic Violence and Abuse in Sexual Health Environments) supports sexual health professionals to identify and respond to patients affected by domestic violence and abuse and sexual violence. It provides them with a simple referral pathway to specialist services.

The intervention involves staff training, including how to ask the right questions and respond to disclosures, alongside a clear local referral pathway. Patients who accept a referral to ADViSE are seen on-site by a trained specialist advocate educator, who provides one-to-one support and can signpost to other organisations.

In 2015 we conducted a successful pilot of ADViSE. It has since been commissioned in Greater Manchester, London, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.