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How to get help from your GP
If you are being abused, hurt or controlled by someone in your family, it can be hard to find space to contact a specialist service like Fortalice. It might be easier to visit or call your GP and talk in private to doctors, nurses and reception staff. Across the borough, we’ve trained 49 GP practices to handle requests for support and refer cases of domestic abuse to our specialists at Fortalice.
All you need to do is tell someone at your GP surgery that you want to talk to IRIS, or mention IRIS when booking an appointment.
What is the IRIS programme?
IRIS stands for Identification and Referral to Improve Safety. The IRIS programme supports women and men who are experiencing domestic abuse or violence by a current partner, ex-partner or family member.
What happens when you ask for IRIS?
When you ask to talk to IRIS, your GP practice will refer you through to the IRIS project at Fortalice and one of our friendly support workers will contact you to arrange to talk at a time that’s safe and convenient for you. Staff are trained to do this quietly and discreetly so as not to raise the suspicion of anyone who is with you on your visit.
Next steps
The team that works on IRIS are known as Advocate Educators. They’re specialists who are here to lend a warm, friendly listening ear and offer practical and emotional support for your personal situation. They will contact you to arrange either a further call, or an appointment at the GP surgery or our offices. The first call will answer your questions, tell you about other help available and help you devise a plan to keep safe at home. If you decide you want to leave your situation, our team can help you plan your exit and help you to find refuge or alternative accommodation.
We might also introduce you to other adult support services available at Fortalice like our Freedom programme or one-to-one counselling. Whatever you need, we’ll be by your side for as long as you need us.
Survivors’ stories
“I don’t know what I would have done without you. I feel that you’ve really listened to me and made such a difference for me and the kids. The sense of relief is incredible.”
“If it hadn’t been for you I wouldn’t have made the connection between the abuse I’ve suffered and how it made me feel. Working with you has made me look at all the relationships in my life in a different light. I’m happier now than I’ve ever been.”