AT LEAST 12% of the women whose deaths in pregnancy and childbirth were investigated had previously said they were victims of violence in the home.
This disturbing finding has led to an initiative to ensure health professionals know how to identify victims and encourage women to disclose domestic abuse.
The policy was launched by midwives at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
During the past year, they have worked with other departments and agencies such as Cheshire Constabulary and the Cheshire Domestic Abuse Partnership.
Carmel Healey, head of midwifery and nursing in women and children's services, said: 'Countess midwives have always dealt with domestic abuse issues if these arose. The difference now is that staff have a duty to actively ask questions.
'Evidence shows that women are often uncertain about coming forward and are relieved to be asked. All midwives have had training so they can ask questions relating to domestic abuse in the right way.
'They know how to identify problems and who they should refer the mother to for appropriate support and help. This is part of the routine care of all expectant mums.'
She added: 'Developing the domestic abuse policy was not something we could have done in isolation. Our working party has involved the Cheshire Police domestic violence liaison officer, Leighton Hospital, Halton Primary Care Trust, Wirral and West Cheshire Partnership NHS Trust, Cheshire Domestic Abuse Partnership and Cheshire Outreach Services.
