Keele University’s Professor June Keeling is leading a new European collaboration to help healthcare professionals recognise and support victims of domestic abuse and violence.

Professor Keeling joined Keele’s School of Nursing and Midwifery in early 2019 as Professor of Women’s Health. Her research focuses on women’s experiences of domestic abuse and, more recently, has explored men’s stories about their use of violence in relationships.

Professor Keeling said: “The need for effective training for medical practitioners to recognise victims of domestic violence and abuse is clear, due to the significant negative impact of this abuse on the mental and physical health of individuals and their families. This transnational project provides a unique opportunity to work with colleagues across Europe in supporting the educational and training needs of practitioners.”

Professor Keeling has been awarded funding from Erasmus+ for the three-year project, which is called Recognition and Education in Violence, Abuse and Neglect for Medical and Healthcare Practitioners (REVAMP).

Keele will be collaborating with international partners in France, Germany, Lithuania, Sweden, Iceland and Greece to develop a universal primary care training programme for practitioners working with survivors and victims of domestic violence and abuse. The project also aims to tackle human trafficking.

Professor Keeling is holding her inaugural lecture Stand by me: Women’s experience of domestic violence and disclosure to healthcare providers on Monday 30 March, 6.15pm at Keele Hall.