Many incidents of domestic violence in the Oxford area are not being uncovered by official bodies because of poor training, it has been revealed.

And a call has gone out to improve training and co-operation between health professionals, voluntary agencies and the police to tackle the menace.

A survey carried out by health professionals in the Oxford area at the urging of the Medical Women's Federation (MWF) Oxford has shown that:

Detection levels by health professionals are far below those found in anonymous screenings

Virtually none had received any training

Most lack knowledge and understanding of the issue involved.

Health workers have difficulty knowing how and when to ask patients direct questions about domestic violence.

The 12-month survey was carried out among GPs, accident and emergency units and obstetrics and gynaecology experts in Oxford.

It was carried out on behalf of the association - a national body representing the interests of women doctors and their patients throughout Britain - in conjunction with Oxfordshire Health Authority.

Dr Joan Trowell, association president and also a consultant physician based at the John Radcliffe Hospital, said training needed to be improved to increase detection rates.

She said: "Domestic violence is clearly a health issue.

"The majority of women who are treated violently in their homes have seen their doctors, often more than once, before this underlying problem is detected. The findings will be discussed at a conference at St Anne's College, Oxford, on Saturday called Preventable Disasters in Women's Health.

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