The UK's first maternity clinic for women who have been victims of rape and sexual assault opened its doors in London, a media report said on Friday.
According to authorities, the clinic will provide extra antenatal support with specially-trained midwives, psychologists and paediatricians, BBC reported.
Co-run by Barts Health NHS Trust in London, the scheme could be introduced in other UK hospitals if successful, the authorities said.
Pavan Amara, founder of the 'My Body Back' project which jointly established the clinic with the Barts Health NHS Trust, has met a number of women who told her of traumatic experiences during their pregnancies.
"One woman was told by her rapist: 'If you relax it'll be over with quicker.' When the woman was told the same thing in a healthcare setting, the health professional was completely unwittingly and unknowingly echoing the words of the rapist," Amara was quoted by the BBC as saying.
"It had a huge impact on the woman mentally. It's things like this... very small, but very big for a woman who is vulnerable."
According to latest official figures, one in five women between the ages of 16-59 in England and Wales has experienced some form of sexual violence, BBC added.
--IANS
ksk/bg
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
