WHY THIS STUDY MATTERS
For many pregnant women, a maternity appointment is simply part of routine care — but for some, it can be an opportunity to spot domestic abuse and get timely help. The RIVA Study looks at how healthcare-based Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (hIDVAs) working inside hospital services can make those opportunities real.
WHAT WE'RE DOING
The RIVA project involves four key studies. These are:
National survey
We surveyed NHS Trusts with maternity services across England to find out which trusts have hIDVA programmes, and how these services are organised and funded.
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Workshop
We brought together people with lived experience, community and healthcare practitioners, and researchers to discuss the findings from the national survey. Together, we explored what works well in maternity-based IDVA models and what challenges remain.
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Case study
We’re working with five NHS Trusts to understand how healthcare-based IDVA services are implemented in practice — what helps, what gets in the way, and how the approach can be sustained over time.
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Focus Groups
We’re speaking directly with people with lived experience of domestic abuse and community and healthcare professionals to understand their experiences and views on how to involve people who have experienced DVA in the design, development and delivery of DVA programmes. Their voices will help us identify best practice approaches.
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