Pass the Mic: A Survivor’s Perspective on the Role of Midwives in supporting victims of GBV 

Q: Tell us your story, and how you got into GBV advocacy.   

I always wanted to build a life where I could help others. My journey began with a liberal upbringing in the UK, where I pursued higher education and a successful career in corporate banking. At 29, I entered into what seemed like a promising marriage, but it quickly turned into a harmful relationship.   

My husband displayed controlling behaviours from the start, dictating what I could wear, monitoring my communications, and isolating me from friends. This escalated into verbal abuse, financial control, physical and sexual violence. I often blamed myself, thinking these behaviours were a normal part of marriage.   

When I became pregnant, the abuse worsened. I attended appointments alone, hiding the truth from health professionals and making excuses for my husband’s absence. After my son was born, I reached a breaking point. The abuse didn’t just affect me—it began to harm my child emotionally. I realised I had to break the cycle, for myself and for my son.    

Leaving wasn’t easy. I secretly planned my escape, gathering documents, essentials, and the courage to walk away. When I finally left, I moved into a refuge and began rebuilding my life. Today, I work to empower women facing similar challenges, ensuring they know they are not alone and have the support they need to make the same brave step. 

 Q: What role did your midwife play in supporting you after you reported the GBV?   

 During my pregnancy, I interacted with several midwives at antenatal appointments. While they noticed my husband’s absence and asked questions, I didn’t feel comfortable opening up. I was scared and unsure how to describe my situation or even recognise it as abuse at the time. Survivors often lack the clarity or confidence to name their experiences. Looking back, more specific and open-ended questions, like “Do you feel safe at home?” could have encouraged me to share. I also felt like I needed more time with them to open up.  

After I reported the abuse to the police, a midwife visited my home for a welfare check (usual practice in the UK when GBV is reported by women with infants). She was kind and showed care by checking on my baby’s health and inspecting my home for safety. However, her questions weren’t direct enough to help me talk about my relationship and to get better support and protection. Survivors often need clear, compassionate prompts to open up.  

While my midwives’ efforts were supportive, I believe with better training and resources, they could have done more to guide me, during pregnancy and once I had reported my abuser.  

Q: How can midwives recognise the signs of GBV, and what specific actions should they take to make victims feel safe, supported, and empowered?   

Recognising GBV requires more than noticing physical signs like bruises. Behavioural cues, such as avoiding eye contact, cancelling appointments frequently, or appearing withdrawn, can also indicate abuse.   

Midwives should take the time to ask open-ended questions and give women the opportunity to speak. Something as simple as asking, “How are things at home?” or creating private moments during appointments can encourage a survivor to open up.   

Educational materials are also critical. Many women don’t initially recognise that what they’re experiencing is abuse. Providing leaflets explaining what GBV looks like can be the first step in helping a victim identify their situation and seek help.   

If midwives notice anything concerning, they should document it in the patient’s records and provide contact details for local support services. Consistent record-keeping is not just essential for providing seamless care—it also creates a valuable record that survivors can use if they decide to pursue legal action against their abuser. 

One of the challenges I faced was how others perceived me. I was a professional woman who looked put together, and many people couldn’t believe I was living through such abuse. This bias often meant my experiences were dismissed or overlooked. It’s important for health professionals to look beyond appearances or assumptions—anyone can experience GBV, regardless of their background or how they present themselves. 

Q: Why do you think midwives and other health providers are uniquely positioned to help identify and support victims of GBV?   

Midwives are often the first point of contact for women during pivotal life moments, such as pregnancy and childbirth. This provides a unique opportunity to build trust and offer support. 

Midwives’ ability to observe changes in behaviour, physical health, and emotional well-being places them in an ideal position to identify signs of abuse early. 

The midwifery philosophy of care—focused on trust, choice, and non-judgement—aligns perfectly with the approach needed for survivors of GBV. By creating a safe and empathetic space, midwives can empower women to speak about their experiences and take steps toward safety. 

Like any other part of midwifery care, supporting victims of GBV requires empowering them with as much information as possible. When survivors understand their options and the resources available to them, they can make informed decisions about their lives and well-being. 

Q: How can health providers better prepare to recognise and support victims of GBV effectively?   

Training is key. Health providers, including midwives, should receive regular education on the many forms of abuse—physical, emotional, financial, and sexual. This training should include how to ask sensitive questions, how to document concerns, and how to refer survivors to appropriate services.   

Health providers also need to ensure thorough and consistent record-keeping.  Survivors shouldn’t have to retell their stories at every appointment; instead, providers should be able to reference documented information to offer informed care without retraumatising the woman they are caring for. This consistency is also crucial for survivors pursuing legal action against their abusers, as it provides documented evidence of their experiences.    

Accessible resources, such as helplines and leaflets in multiple languages, should be available in clinics and hospitals. These can serve as a discreet lifeline for survivors, helping them understand their options and access help. 

Finally, it’s crucial to recognise the constraints midwives face. Time pressures and resource limitations often prevent them from doing all they can. Governments and health systems must enable midwives to fulfil their role by providing the time, tools, and support they need to address GBV effectively.