The taskforce comprises health professionals, NHS managers and representatives from the public, social services and voluntary sector. Members will be work together to spot early signs of violence and abuse against women and girls, investigate the scale of the problem and ensure victims across the NHS get the support they need.

The taskforce has been set up in response to issues raised during the government’s Violence against Women and Girls consultation, which began earlier this year. The government recognises that victims may talk more freely with health professionals about their fear of violence, even when they are not ready to take the next step to reporting the crime, and it wants to make sure that health professionals are prepared to give victims of violence and abuse information about local support services. The taskforce will also look at helping health workers to identify women at risk earlier and how they can offer these women support to reduce repeat victimisation.

Professor Sir George Alberti, former national clinical director for emergency access and service design, will lead the work of the taskforce.

More information is available on the Home Office website.