Identification and Referral to Improve Safety (IRIS)

We have IRIS workers in Bristol and South Gloucestershire who work with GP practices.

For many victims of domestic abuse, visiting the doctor is the only safe place they can go without their abusive partner present. Our specialist domestic violence advocate-educators train and support primary care clinicians to recognise domestic abuse and refer their patients to our service.

The IRIS workers offer emotional and practical support to people referred and, if appropriate, help to access a range of specialist services.

IRIS ADViSE

Are you afraid of your partner, or a member of your family? Does anyone try to control what you do?

Have you experienced sexual assault? Has something sexual happened that you didn’t want or that made you feel uncomfortable?

We know that domestic abuse and sexual violence damage health

If you choose to talk to us, we can:
Support you
Put you in touch with someone who can help you


What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is any sexual act that you did not want or made you feel uncomfortable.
This can include, but is not limited to, rape, childhood sexual abuse, revenge porn, sexual touching, and sexual harassment.

What is domestic violence and abuse?

Physical – Including being hit, kicked or attacked.
Sexual – Having to be sexual when you don’t want to.
Emotional – Being called names, put down, made to feel bad or threatened.
Financial – When someone takes or controls your money.
Isolation – When someone controls who you see and when you go out.


You can get help to:

  • Talk about the things that have happened to you.
  • Help you feel safe
  • Know your rights
  • Build your confidence
  • Plan a safe place to go
  • Recover from the effects of domestic abuse and sexual violence


Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI), Southmead and Weston General Hospital A&E IDSVA support

Often victims who present at A&E disclose high levels of abuse and are still living with the violent perpetrator. For those that present at the Emergency Department, our Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisors (IDVSAs) can offer support with your safety and link you in with longer term services. They also train health clinicians to recognise the signs and symptoms of domestic abuse to enable them to refer to the service.


St Michael’s Maternity Hospital and Southmead Maternity IDSVA support

Pregnant women are at particular risk from being victims of domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner so we provide a specialist Maternity Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor based in Maternity wards. Alongside supporting victims that are referred in, she also provides advice, training and support to midwives and other hospital staff.

If you would like support from the ADViSE service you can speak to a member of Unity staff or call Next Link on 0117 925 0680 and ask to speak to an ADViSE worker.

1 in 3 pregnant women experience domestic abuse