Domestic Abuse

This part of the Health and Social Care Blog focuses on domestic abuse and how health and social care workers can respond safely and professionally. Domestic abuse can happen in any community and can affect adults and children. It is not only physical violence. It can include controlling or coercive behaviour, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, threats, intimidation, and isolation. People may stay in abusive situations for many reasons, including fear, dependence, shame, cultural pressure, concern for children, or lack of safe alternatives.

In care settings, staff may be among the first professionals to notice signs of abuse. The posts linked on this page explore warning signs and how to have safe conversations without putting someone at greater risk. It is important to avoid judgement and avoid asking questions in front of a partner, family member or anyone who may be involved. Privacy matters. Safety matters more.

A key theme is understanding coercive control. This is a pattern of behaviour designed to make someone dependent and to take away their freedom. It might look like monitoring phone use, controlling money, restricting contact with friends, or speaking for the person in appointments. You’ll probably recognise this in your setting when someone is not allowed to speak alone, looks to another person before answering, or seems anxious about “getting in trouble” for saying the wrong thing.

Good practice involves listening, believing, and responding calmly. You are not expected to investigate or “prove” abuse. Your role is to follow safeguarding procedures, record factual observations, and support appropriate referral routes. If someone discloses abuse, respond with empathy and clarity: thank them for telling you, acknowledge how difficult it is, and explain what you can do next. Never promise complete secrecy—there may be situations where information must be shared to protect someone, especially children or adults at risk. Explain this carefully.

Risk can increase when someone is planning to leave an abusive relationship. That is why safety planning should be done with specialist support where possible. Staff should follow local guidance and organisational policies, including how to contact safeguarding leads and specialist domestic abuse services. If there is immediate danger, emergency services may be needed. Always prioritise safety and follow procedures.

Practice example: in a GP practice, a patient attends with a partner who insists on being present and answers all questions. The clinician could find a routine reason to speak with the patient alone (for example, a “standard” part of the appointment), ask simple, non-leading questions, and provide information discreetly. If concerns are identified, the correct safeguarding and referral routes can be followed.

Another practice example: in domiciliary care, a worker notices a person seems fearful when their phone rings and quickly hides bruising with clothing. The worker should record observations factually, report concerns immediately according to policy, and seek guidance from a safeguarding lead. Confronting a suspected perpetrator could increase risk, so the response must be planned and safe.

Domestic abuse also affects children, even if they are not physically harmed. Seeing, hearing, or living with abuse can have serious impacts on wellbeing and development. This is why safeguarding is central. Where children are involved, staff must follow child protection procedures and share concerns appropriately. Adults too may be at risk because of disability, illness, age, or dependence on a carer.

Use the links on this page to explore safe conversations, recognising signs, recording and reporting, and how multi-agency working supports protection and recovery. Domestic abuse work is sensitive, and it can feel heavy. A calm, professional response—focused on safety, dignity and the right pathways—can make a real difference.