Maternity clinic for rape victims opens

The clinic will provide extra support to rape victims, recognising that giving birth could trigger memories of an attack. There is strong evidence to suggest that women suffer flash backs, hallucinations and panic when giving birth.

The clinic will also ensure that staff are aware of a woman’s history so they can make certain that women are offered additional care and support; including longer or extra meetings, specially altered breastfeeding advice and antenatal care. Women can also have more control over how the birthing room is laid out and what medical checks they undergo. In addition it means that midwives and other healthcare providers do not inadvertently use distressing words and phrases to their patients that may echo the words of their attackers.

According to official statistics 1 in 5 women aged between 16 and 59 in England and Wales has experienced some form of sexual violence.