A MIDWIFE has won an award to do research in Huddersfield into children and domestic violence.

Julia Brooke has become the first recipient of the Patrick Stewart/Refuge scholarship.

It was set up by the charity, which tackles domestic violence, and the University of Huddersfield, with backing from the Hollywood star who is the Chancellor.

The actor, who is also a patron of Refuge, said he was honoured to give his name to the scholarship.

He himself witnessed domestic violence as a child.

Julia joins the University’s Centre for Applied Childhood Studies from a background of midwifery, during which time she has specialised in working with women who have additional needs.

She has also been involved in working with abused young people.

She will now centre her PhD on the study of pregnant teenagers’ experiences of domestic violence.

She said: “My interest in this area really stems from the fact that the issue is so hidden, yet the consequences so great.

“There is a lot of work to do to ensure that pregnant teenagers who might be experiencing domestic abuse get the help and support that they need.”

Julia, of Halifax, who qualified as a midwife in 2004, worked at Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London for three years before returning to Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust as a community midwife.

“One of my main aims is to take a positive approach, because I think young mothers are often portrayed negatively.

“But often they are trying to care for themselves and their children in very difficult circumstances.

“The sad fact is that the nature of domestic violence is such that it’s never going to go away; I want to show people that young women are dealing with it, are developing coping strategies, but that they also need our help.”

Stewart said: “I am proud to offer this scholarship for the study of children and domestic violence.

“I have very personal cause to support work in this area: when I was a child I witnessed violence against my mother. This is why I accepted the role of patron of Refuge.

“I have seen first-hand the work this incredible charity does to support women and children escaping domestic violence and I know that it really does save lives.”