University launches domestic abuse training for nursing students 

A first-of-its-kind programme to provide nursing students specialist training on domestic abuse and violence against women and girls has been launched in Northern Ireland.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Northern Ireland has partnered with Women’s Aid Federation NI and Queen’s University Belfast to offer the Unlocking Safety Initiative – an annual programme to be delivered to pre-registration nursing students as part of their degree.

The training will equip over 600 future nurses at Queen’s University Belfast each year with the skills to recognise abuse, respond to disclosures, and connect patients with vital support services.

In 2023/24, Women’s Aid in Northern Ireland supported a total of 7,637 women and 5,293 children had their mothers supported by the charity. It also supported 266 women who were pregnant and 10 babies who were born while their mother was in refuge.

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Professor Rita Devlin, executive director of the RCN in Northern Ireland, said: ‘Domestic abuse remains one of society’s most pervasive yet hidden issues.

‘While some healthcare professionals recognise the signs, many still lack the training and confidence to act effectively.

‘All healthcare workers should be equipped to identify abuse, including knowing who may be at risk, how abuse presents in different settings and how to start difficult but vital conversations.’

According to Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) data, domestic abuse accounted for around 20% of all recorded crime in Northern Ireland in 2024, with six women killed last year.

Johanna McMullan, director of education at the Queen’s University Belfast School of Nursing and Midwifery, said nurses have a ‘unique relationship’ with patients that they can use to support vulnerable patients.

‘We are often right beside them, supporting them when they are at their most vulnerable, and it is a role that we take very seriously.

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‘Often regarded as one of the most trusted professions, part of our job is to have extremely difficult and challenging conversations with patients in our care, and sometimes we are their first port of call.’

Participating nursing students will receive a ‘Feeling Safe is Key’ badge as part of the programme, marking their training and letting patients know they are a safe and trusted professional to confide in.

Sarah Mason, chief executive of Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland, said: ‘This exciting model will raise awareness, develop knowledge and understanding, and build capacity to respond.

‘The potential reach of this training is vast with these student nurses joining the NHS workforce equipped with tools to address violence against women and girls. This is a good day on the road to prevention.’

In June, the RCN Foundation began a study to explore experiences of domestic abuse and the support needed by UK nursing and midwifery professionals.

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In January, the nursing charity Cavell reported a rise in numbers of nursing and midwifery staff seeking support related to domestic abuse.

Cavell’s research also revealed that nursing and midwifery professionals are at least three times more likely to experience domestic abuse than the general population.