Women to be asked about abuse at hospitals

Personally, I don't mind that women presenting at hospitals will be questioned about family violence and abuse. If it saves one life then it will be worth it. Already Midwives do this with all pregnant women and I'm sure that teachers, nurses and other people who work with vulnerable people act on their suspicions.

It is helpful to bear in mind that family violence is typically found among low socio-economic groups, and is usually perpetrated by men, it is not always the case. You sometimes meet families that on the surface, look as though they are perfect, but there is a dark and sinister side.

I know of one woman I worked with who had been physically mistreated - I'm not sure if there was punching, but definitely pushing and shoving over - she was married to a senior bank executive. But she did leave him (eventually).

And another was a man who was getting scratched and punched by his tiny wife - she probably was half his weight. He never hit back because he knew he could really hurt her if he did, and he never left because he was afraid that she would do it to the kids if he wasn't around.