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Domestic abuse training for Bolton GP surgeries
The IRIS programme enables women and men who are experiencing domestic abuse or violence to access help through their GP surgery.
Our Advocate Educators work in partnership with Bolton’s GP surgeries to train clinicians, reception and administration staff to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and be confident to ask, record, and refer into the service.
By working together, we can make sure more people get the help they need and reduce the devastating impacts domestic abuse can have on victims and their families.
How to access domestic abuse resources and training
Every Bolton GP surgery can access IRIS training and resources through our Advocate Educators. Call us on 01204 365677 and ask to speak to a member of our IRIS team.
The training is designed to help primary care practitioners:
The training uses the most up to date health data, legislation and general information regarding domestic abuse and violence. We also offer refresher training and top up sessions for new members of practice staff.
What happens when you refer a patient to IRIS?
Our Advocate Educators provide specialist support and advocacy services for patients affected by domestic abuse. Following referral and initial contact with the client, their role is to listen and understand their circumstances and the type and extent of abuse they are experiencing.
We assess the patient’s mental and physical health each time we make contact. Going forward, we support them to manage their situation and make safety plans, perform risk assessments and direct them to other services such as counselling and our Freedom programme. Our team are trained to guide them through legal proceedings, police enquiries, and provide other routes to support where required.
Whatever the client needs, we’ll be by their side for as long as they need us.