Background

Domestic abuse is a type of violence and abuse that happens between adults who are partners, ex-partners, or family members. It includes psychological, emotional, physical, sexual, and financial abuse, and coercion, control, and stalking.

In the UK, around 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse during their life. Recent research shows that people who work as healthcare professionals — as doctors, nurses, and in other healthcare roles — are even more likely to experience domestic abuse.

Healthcare professionals who have experienced domestic abuse often provide support to patients who are experiencing abuse, but rarely seek help for themselves. Working as a healthcare professional can be a stressful job and experiencing domestic abuse at the same time is very difficult.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to gather information about the impact of healthcare professionals’ own experiences of domestic abuse. 

In this study, we planned to find out:

• whether organisations such as GP surgeries, pharmacies, dental practices, and community hospitals had useful policies for staff who are experiencing domestic abuse
• how the experience of domestic abuse affected healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, other healthcare staff), including how this affects their experiences at work
• what help and support healthcare professionals affected by domestic abuse sought, and what they might have needed
• implications for managers and senior staff who tried to support affected staff.

The study ran from May 2022 to May 2024 (extended from the original end date of May 2023).

Findings and next steps

The key findings from the survey are published in Occupational Medicine.

We are currently writing up the findings from interviews and some of the survey data. We want to use this information to inform and develop workplace policies and a tailored intervention to support healthcare professionals who have experienced domestic abuse.

Funders

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Primary Care Research and Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (BNSSG ICB).

Support for you

If you have experienced domestic abuse, YOU ARE NOT ALONE, and there are people ready to listen and help. Details of support options are included in the survey, including the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (for women), which you can contact on 0808 2000 247 anytime, and Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010327.