A programme encouraging women to speak out about domestic violence is already being called a success.

Health Minister Pete Hodgson says the $11 million Violence Intervention Programme will ensure victims get the support they need. He says it will also see health staff trained to screen patients who may be victims of child and partner abuse.

Mr Hodgson says more than 4,500 health professionals have been trained in family violence intervention so far. It is going nationwide after being trialled in Auckland and Hawke's Bay for 18 months.

Auckland's National Women's Hospital manager Kay Hyman says staff have been surprised by the reaction of women they ask about abuse. She says they often get yes answers from women they did not suspect were victims of violence or abuse.

Meanwhile after a meeting in Rotorua the city's mayor Kevin Winters has announced a special focus group will be set up to tackle child abuse in the town. It follows two recent cases of abuse which have left two children in serious conditions in Auckland's Starship Hospital.

Mr Winters says the group will be made up of Government agencies and individuals who will work with the community, targeting children aged five and under. He says the Ministry of Social Development will fund the initiative.

The idea of making it compulsory for Rotorua residents on the DPB to liaise with a government agency about the care of their children was raised in the meeting. Mr Winters says at the moment Government agencies are there, but they are not being used.