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7) Getting Help from the NHS
Your
GP can be a useful person to contact first when you are experiencing abuse.
They can keep records (including photographs) of any injuries or mental health
problems that you have suffered as a result, which will be helpful later on
if you need help from the courts or the local council. They can also refer you
to other organisations such as social services departments for help.
If you have support from a friend or family member, take them with you when you visit the GP.
If your abuser usually accompanies you to the GP’s surgery or is present when they visit, perhaps because they act as your interpreter, find a reason to see your GP without them. For example, you might be able to say that you need to talk about “women’s problems”.
Your GP should not do anything that would put you at risk. However, if you do not trust them - perhaps because they have a good relationship with your abuser - you can ask to see a different GP in the same practice.
Many health authorities also now operate “24-Hour Walk In Centres”, generally based at or near a local hospital. These centres are open to everyone, and will refer you on to hospital departments if this is necessary.
If you need emergency medical treatment because of abuse, or if you do not trust your GP, you can find out about Walk In Centres from NHS Direct. NHS Direct is a 24-hour helpline run by nurses who will provide confidential advice and information. Calls are charged at local rates. Tel: 0845 4647. Textphone: 0845 606 46 47. Website: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
If a walk-in centre does not exist in your area, or if your injuries are serious, go straight to a hospital Accident and Emergency Department. Call 999 if you are unable to travel there independently. You will normally be seen first by a nurse who will assess you and be able to advise you on the options open to you.
If you are experiencing abuse from an NHS worker,
there are official complaints procedures that you can use to take action. Your
local health authority should be able to provide you with information about
these, and your local Community Health Council should be able to help you to
make a complaint. You can find out the contact details from your local telephone
directory, Yellow Pages or library.
Next: Getting Help from the Police
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