NHS staff are being encouraged to open conversations about an often-hidden threat facing healthcare professionals.
The first-ever NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day takes place on December 10 and aims to shine a light on abuse experienced by those working in the health service, including doctors, nurses, and support staff.
The awareness day is a joint initiative by The Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) and the Medical Women’s Federation (MWF), aiming to break the silence around domestic abuse affecting NHS employees and to address the specific challenges they face when seeking help.
Dr Ellen Welch, a GP based in Cumbria and an organiser of the campaign, said: "As a solo parent on social media parenting groups, it struck me just how many doctor mums confided their experience of abuse within these spaces.
"The more I’ve learned it’s clear this is more than just anecdotal and domestic abuse is rife among health care professionals.
"NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day aims to ensure that the same care and support staff extend to patients, is also given to them.
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"We want to ensure NHS workplaces are a safe space for staff and to build a culture where colleagues feel listened to, supported, and are able to access help when they need it most."
Domestic abuse is a widespread issue, with more than one in five people in England and Wales having experienced it.
Female healthcare professionals are among those most at risk, with studies suggesting they are three times more likely to experience domestic abuse than the average person in the UK.
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