A new Quality Improvement Framework for the Identification and Response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Emergency Departments (EDs) and Injury Units (IUs) has been launched, providing a nationally coordinated, trauma-informed approach to supporting people experiencing violence.

Developed under the National Clinical Programme for Emergency Medicine in RCSI, the framework recognises that emergency departments and injury units are often the first point of contact for individuals affected by domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.

It offers practical guidance to frontline healthcare teams to improve awareness, identification and safe response, while strengthening links to specialist and community supports.

The framework sets out a tiered model of implementation enabling all emergency departments and injury units to take meaningful action regardless of size or capacity. Core measures include staff education and training, visible patient information, nominated local clinical leads and clear referral pathways.

The whole objective is to ensure that “trauma informed domestic, sexual and gender-based violence care becomes normal business in all emergency departments and injury units across the country”, according to Dr Sarah Watkins, Nurse Lead, National Clinical Programme for Emergency Medicine.

Dr Rosa McNamara, Clinical Lead, National Clinical Programme for Emergency Medicine, commented: “Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a profound public health and human rights issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities across our society. Emergency departments are often the first point of contact for those experiencing abuse, and it is essential that every person who seeks care is met with safety, dignity, and compassion.”

Professor Deborah McNamara, President, RCSI welcomed the publication of the framework: “Domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a serious public health issue that requires a coordinated and compassionate healthcare response. RCSI is proud to support this National Quality Improvement Framework, which strengthens the ability of emergency departments and injury units to identify, respond to and support patients experiencing violence with dignity, safety and care.”

The framework is informed by frontline experience and national collaboration, building on pilot work carried out at Mercy University Hospital, Cork University Hospital, Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown and St Vincent’s University Hospital, in partnership with the RCSI HSE National Clinical Programme for Emergency Medicine. These sites helped develop and test the screening tools, training recommendations and standardised response pathways that now underpin this national approach.

The Quality Improvement Framework for DSGBV Identification and Response in Emergency Departments and Injury Units (2026) can be read here.