A department action plan, outlined by Public Health Minister Anne Milton this week, will help to support women and child victims of violent assault.
Joint funding with the Home Office will be used to improve and expand access to Sexual Assault Referral Centres.
Anne Milton said violence against women and children is unacceptable and can lead to a range of health issues such as poor mental health and STIs.
The DoH plans to work with the Royal Colleges and other organisations to improve training for healthcare workers.
Ms Milton said: ‘For many victims, doctors and nurses are the first or only person they can turn to.’
She added: ‘It’s critical that health professionals have the skills to identify victims of violence and offer appropriate support.’
The DoH action plan will expand the work of these specialist centres using the fund.
