The training pack was initially developed for the Bristol Pregnancy Domestic Violence Programme.

A six-fold increase in disclosure rates was identified during the evaluation period when the programme was introduced in 2005.

It has won the Johnson's Baby Award for Excellence in Midwifery Education.

"Sensitive response"

The programme aimed to equip community midwives with the knowledge and confidence to enquire effectively about domestic violence in the antenatal period.

The training pack from the course is nationally recognised and used extensively to train midwives and others throughout the country.

Debra Salmon, Reader in Community Health and Kathleen Baird, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, both from the University of the West of England led the programme development.

Kathleen Baird said: "It is brilliant to be recognised by experts working in the same field as having made an important contribution towards developing a sensitive response to domestic violence during pregnancy.

"The training pack has already had take up in Iceland, Australia and the USA and we are also forging links with Ghana."