NHS staff to tackle abuse

MORE than 5,000 NHS staff in Scotland will be trained to spot domestic abuse victims and encourage them to speak about their ordeal.

Midwives, mental health workers, along with accident and emergency staff and health visitors, will be trained during the next 18 months.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said Scotland will be the "first country in the UK" to tackle domestic abuse through the NHS to identify and help more victims.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "The NHS has a pivotal role in helping to combat domestic abuse."