Pregnant Women Domestic Abuse Disclosures in England Maternity 2026

Domestic abuse disclosures by pregnant women in England have reached an estimated 20,000 per year, according to new analysis of maternity services data. The figures, compiled by the charity For Baby's Sake, highlight the critical role midwives play in identifying abuse during pregnancy. About 3.3% of maternity bookings within NHS trusts involved a disclosure of current or non-recent domestic abuse, though experts warn this is likely an underestimate of the true scale.

How Midwives Identify Domestic Abuse During Pregnancy

Midwives are often the only healthcare professional a pregnant woman sees regularly and alone, making them uniquely positioned to spot signs of domestic abuse. Gill Walton, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said the findings "lay bare" what midwives already know from daily practice. "Recognising a disclosure is only the first step – staff need proper, specialist training to know how to respond and services need the time and resources to follow through with support," she added.

The analysis contacted 118 NHS trusts, with 74 providing usable data based on a three-year average. The 20,000 annual disclosures figure was calculated by applying the 3.3% disclosure rate to national NHS maternity bookings activity. Experts caution that many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, or lack of opportunity to disclose.

Key Takeaways for Maternity Services

• 20,000 disclosures of domestic abuse are estimated to be made to England's maternity services each year.
• Only 74 of 118 NHS trusts provided usable data, indicating inconsistent reporting.
• Midwives require specialist training to respond effectively to disclosures.
• Support services need adequate time and resources to follow through.
• Disclosures are likely underestimated due to underreporting.

Comparing Disclosure Rates Across NHS Trusts

The table below summarizes the data collection and estimated disclosure rates based on the charity's analysis.

Challenges Facing Maternity Professionals

While midwives are well-placed to identify abuse, they face significant barriers. Time constraints, lack of specialized training, and insufficient referral pathways can turn a disclosure into a missed opportunity. The Royal College of Midwives emphasizes that without proper resources, even the most well-intentioned midwife cannot provide the necessary support.

Moreover, the stigma surrounding domestic abuse may prevent pregnant women from disclosing. Some may fear retaliation from their partner or worry about losing their children. Creating a safe, confidential environment is essential for encouraging disclosures.

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