IRIS is a collaboration between primary care and third sector organisations specialising in Domestic Abuse. An advocate educator is linked to general practices and based in a local specialist service, these are Safer Merthyr Tydfil and RCT Domestic Abuse Services.
Established in 2015, the CTM IRIS Service has received more than 2000 patient referrals, demonstrating the siginificant impact of the programme across Cwm Taf Morgannwg. By equipping primary care teams with the skills and confidence to identify and respond to domestic abuse, the service has helped patients access specialist support, enhancing safety, recovery and long-term wellbeing.
This commitment to quality and best practice has recently been recognised through the award of the IRISi Gold Accreditation Standard, the highest level of accreditation. The achievement reflects the dedication, expertise and professionalism of the local IRIS team and the strong partnership working with CTM University Health Board colleagues and GP practices across Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Bridgend, which underpins the success of the service.
