The research, led by Dr. Sandi Dheensa from the University of Bristol with Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse, surveyed staff members across all roles - from nurses and doctors to administrative and support staff.
Over 200 responses were collected.
Key findings
- 56% of respondents had experienced domestic abuse, either currently or in the past.
- Over a third said abuse affected their ability to work, and more than a quarter had taken time off because of it.
- Ten perpetrators were reported to work in healthcare, including six within the same NHS trust.
- 84% of those affected had not sought workplace support, citing concerns about confidentiality and stigma.
- 40% of all respondents were unaware of available support options, despite a third knowing a colleague experiencing abuse.
The study highlights how domestic abuse can directly interfere with work - through stalking, harassment, and trauma symptoms - and indirectly affect clinical judgment, concentration and mental health. Some staff even reported visible injuries at work.
Call for change
Respondents called for better workplace support, including:
- Trauma-informed emotional care
- Flexible working arrangements
- Economic and practical help
- Clear, accessible referral pathways.
In response, the trust has already begun implementing new policies and practices to better support affected staff.
Dr. Dheensa, Research Fellow at the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, said, “Healthcare workers are often seen as heroes, but they’re not immune to harm. This study shows the urgent need for workplaces to recognise and respond to domestic abuse among their own staff.”
The authors urge all NHS trusts to adopt comprehensive domestic abuse policies and ensure staff feel safe, supported and informed. For a full list of recommendations, see the study briefing note: Briefing - domestic abuse among NHS healthcare workers (PDF, 172kB)
Paper: Behind the mask: A domestic abuse survey of healthcare workers to highlight support needs. Sandi Dheensa, Jessica Whittock, Vanessa Sloane, Charlotte E Cohen. Published in Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health. September 2025.
Help and support
If you have experienced domestic violence and abuse and would like support, you may find it helpful to contact one of the organisations listed below:
National Domestic Violence Helpline – confidential helpline for people experiencing domestic violence and abuse, and their friends, family and work colleagues
Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
Webchat: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/en/Chat-to-us-online (Mon-Fri, 3pm-10 pm)
British Sign Language interpreter service: nationaldahelpline.org.uk/en/bsl
Galop – for LGBT+ people
Helpline: 0800 999 5428 (Mon–Thu, 10am-4.30pm, Fri, 10am-4pm)
Webchat: https://galop.org.uk/helpline
Men’s Advice Line – for victim-survivors who are men
Helpline: 0808 8010327 (Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm)
Email support: info@mensadviceline.org.uk (Mon-Fri, 9am–5pm)
Respect – for concerns about your own or someone else’s behaviour
Helpline: 0808 802 4040 (Mon–Fri, 10am-5pm)
Email support: info@respectphoneline.org.uk (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Webchat: https://respectphoneline.org.uk/ (Thurs, 2pm-4pm)