Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) and the Medical Women’s Federation (MWF) have joined together with a coalition of partner organisations, including the BRIGHT (Bristol Research on the Intersection of Gender, Health and Trauma) research group based at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, to launch the campaign.
A hidden crisis among healthcare professionals
More than one in five people in England and Wales have experienced domestic abuse - among female healthcare professionals, rates are nearly three times higher than the general population.
The NHS workforce, comprising 1.7 million employees in England (almost 75% female), is deeply impacted, especially as female healthcare professionals are significantly overrepresented among domestic abuse victims.
Campaign goals and calls to action
NHSDAAD aims to:
- Raise awareness of domestic abuse among NHS staff
- Ensure robust employer policies are in place
- Create safe spaces where staff can seek help without fear of stigma or reprisal.
How organisations can engage:
- Display campaign posters in staff areas
- Encourage wearing white ribbons, the global symbol to end violence against women and girls
- Share content such as podcasts, videos, and blogs from NHS staff with lived experiences
- Review and publicise internal domestic abuse policies and signpost designated support contacts.
Support from across the NHS and beyond
Major organisations have backed NHSDAAD, including NHS Practitioner Health, Doctors in Distress, Surviving in Scrubs, BRIGHT, IRISi, Cameron Fund, Cavell, Healthcare Leadership Academy, the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, and Royal College of Physicians.
Dr Sandi Dheensa, Research Fellow, BRIGHT, whose research provided impetus for the campaign, said: “This important initiative acknowledges the high rates of domestic abuse among healthcare professionals and the support they need. Together with colleagues in the BRIGHT research group, we are delighted to support this campaign. Together we can make a difference to healthcare workers experiencing domestic abuse, providing effective support and reducing stigma.”
Broader impact and resources
The campaign follows a build-up starting with White Ribbon Day (25 November), part of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Supportive resources, including posters, podcasts, videos, and blogs, are available from the DAUK website.
Join the campaign
NHS staff and allies are encouraged to:
- Wear a white ribbon
- Post on social media using #NHSDAAD
- Display campaign materials.
- Update or promote awareness of internal support policies and designated contact points.
Related content
- Paper: Why doctors are uniquely vulnerable to domestic abuse. Adele Waters. BMJ. 9 December 2025.
- PHRIDA Study
- PRESSURE Study
Sources of help and support
You are not alone and help is available:
- The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247)
- Men's Advice Line (0808 8010 327)
- Galop LGBT+ Helpline (0800 999 5428)
can provide support and guidance, and help you to understand your experiences.