This session will focus on the impact of domestic abuse on the elderly, how to support patients with practical support, empathy and understanding, and ensure longer term community support.
About the speaker
Natalie Wood, Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust. Natalie is an Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (IDVA) qualified in Domestic Violence and Sexual abuse for 14 years. She has worked within Refuge, Special Domestic Violence Court (SDVC), Community and the Police Force and is currently employed by the London Borough of Croydon as part of the FJC (formerly known as the Family Justice Centre) who support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence based for the past four years at Croydon University Hospital in the Adult Safeguarding Team.
Nathalie’s role within the hospital is to support patients with practical support, empathy and understanding. The safety needs of the patient are paramount, as well as ensuring longer term community support. As an IDVA, she liaises with the police regarding bail conditions/remand, engage with housing and refuge providers, work with community and hospital based mental health/drug/alcohol services, organise applications for civil remedies, refer to adult and/or children’s social care (both within and outside of the hospital). The aim of the hospital IDVA is to reduce the risk of further harm and homicide, and to ensure that specialist community-based support is sustained.