The People’s Emergency Briefing has been made to raise awareness of the climate crisis and its impact on human health, and to inspire action.

We’re working with the NEB and the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change to get a film screening into healthcare settings across the UK during Great British Green Week, which starts on 8 June.

To do that, we’re appealing for volunteers to help us with the project. No previous experience is necessary.

National Emergency Briefing

All you need to do is arrange a time and a place for a 60-90 minute session, to screen the 45-minute National Emergency Briefing film and run a facilitated discussion afterwards. Facilitation materials will be provided.

We recommend using a pre-existing teaching session slot, such as grand rounds, clinical conferences, or departmental teaching sessions.

Dr Matt Lee, DAUK’s sustainability lead, said: “The climate crisis is a health crisis.

Climate crisis

“Healthcare professionals are already seeing the effects of the climate crisis on our patients.

“This powerful film offers a powerful opportunity to bring colleagues together, build understanding, and spark discussions and action.”

The film is of the NEB’s climate and nature crisis held in Westminster in November.

If you are interested in hosting a screening, please complete this expression of interest form so we can begin to co-ordinate and map potential showings.

Public information campaign

We will keep you updated with more information in the coming weeks.

Dr Lee said: “Whether you’re a student, manager, doctor, or nurse, you can be part of one of the biggest public information campaigns on climate change and health seen in the UK.

“Together we can make a difference.”

We are a non-profit campaigning and lobbying organisation led by frontline doctors, for frontline doctors. We are volunteers and our collective aim is to give frontline workers a voice to be heard.

Please support our work by contributing to our crowd funder.

GP co-lead Dr Steve Taylor highlighted the work of DAUK on fit notes during an interview on national radio.

Dr Taylor was discussing a survey by BBC that found that hundreds of GPs have never refused to sign a patient off work for mental health issues.

Some respondents told the BBC they were frustrated with the current system, saying providing fit notes should not be part a GP’s role.

Fit notes

The Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) GP co-leads Dr Taylor and Dr Sarah Jacques last year took part in discussions with the Department for Work and Pensions about the future of fit notes.

Ahead of the meeting, DAUK surveyed GPs to ensure their views were represented.

The survey found:

• 69% of GPs said fit notes should not remain part of their remit
• 85% felt a new service should take responsibility for issuing fit notes
• 46% supported a return to four weeks self-certification
• 51% did not favour self-certification by patients
• 94% reported that refusing a fit note negatively affects the doctor/patient relationship

Dr Taylor, speaking to Tom Swarbrick on LBC, said: “The majority of respondents said they didn’t think GPs were the best people to issue fit notes.

Work health

“I wasn’t expecting that many, but the majority did agree with the survey the BBC have done that actually it’s hard for GPs to assess health in work.”

He added: “GPs usually only hear one side of the story.

“The person in front of us says they are struggling to work, but we don’t know the workplace situation or the employer’s perspective.

Self-certify

“What worked well was during the pandemic when people could self-certify for a month.

“And so the conversations were occurring between the employee and the employer.”

Listen to Dr Taylor’s LBC interview on the DAUK Instagram.

We are a non-profit campaigning and lobbying organisation led by frontline doctors, for frontline doctors. We are volunteers and our collective aim is to give frontline workers a voice to be heard.

Please support our work by contributing to our crowd funder.

Dr Sarah Jacques, GP co-lead, represented DAUK at the event to launch the Solve the Maze campaign, a joint drive by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the Patients Association.

It brought together policymakers, clinical leaders, patient advocates, and frontline clinicians.

The campaign has three main aims:

• Every patient should be able to navigate their care
• Every patient should be able to see their GP when they need to
• Every patient should be able to access information about their care

Dr Jacques said: “At DAUK, we strongly support the core message of this campaign.

“Frontline GPs see daily how complex, fragmented pathways create unnecessary stress for patients and increase administrative burden for clinicians.

“An NHS that is easier to navigate is essential not only for improving patient experience, but also for enabling GPs to spend more time delivering clinical care rather than managing bureaucracy.”

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, RCGP chair, said: “Decades of underfunding and poor workforce planning have left GP numbers far behind where they need to be, and it’s our patients who suffer when they have to wait too long, particularly for an appointment with a GP they know and trust, for appointments that are too short.  

“The government has committed to ‘thousands’ more GP but we now need to see a detailed, fully funded plan to recruit, employ and retain the GP workforce patients need.”  

Read Dr Jacques’s blog on the launch on the DAUK Substack.

We are a non-profit campaigning and lobbying organisation led by frontline doctors, for frontline doctors. We are volunteers and our collective aim is to give frontline workers a voice to be heard.

Please support our work by contributing to our crowd funder.

The article is titled Why doctors are uniquely vulnerable to domestic abuse.

It features Dr Ellen Welch, DAUK co-chair, and Dr Sarah Jacques, DAUK GP co-lead, and their work highlighting the ‘silent pandemic’ facing NHS workers.

NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day

Dr Welch and Dr Jacques are also campaigns co-leads for the Medical Women’s Federation. They are co-ordinators of NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day, which took place for the first time in December.

The article includes the real-life stories of NHS workers who have experienced abusive relationships. It also highlights the research and work being done on the issue.

Read the article in full in this week’s BMJ or on the BMJ website.

Find out more about NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day

DAUK committee members are all volunteers. They campaign and speak in the media about issues facing doctors in their own time. Please support our work by joining DAUK or donating to our GoFundMe.

The Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) and the Medical Women’s Federation (MWF) have joined together to launch the campaign.

More than one in five people in England and Wales has experienced domestic abuse. Rates are especially high among female healthcare professionals. Research suggests they are three times more likely to experience it than the average person in the UK.

NHSDAAD highlights the urgent need to recognise and respond to domestic abuse affecting NHS staff. It also recognises the unique barriers they can face seeking help.

The campaign has the support of NHS Practitioner Health, Doctors in Distress, Surviving in Scrubs, BRIGHT (Bristol Research on the Intersection of Gender, Health, and Trauma), IRISi Intervention, Cameron Fund, Cavell, the Healthcare Leadership Academy, the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, and the Royal College of Physicians.

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse occurs across society. It affects people of all ages, genders, sexualities, ethnicities, and income levels. However, it is predominantly women who suffer.

Three women in the UK die each week due to domestic abuse. A ten-year femicide census identified healthcare professionals (HCPs) as one of the most common occupations among victims.

The NHS is one of the world’s largest employers. In England it employs 1.7 million people, almost three quarters of whom are women.

These figures underline the likelihood that domestic abuse is affecting staff in every part of the health service.

NHSDAAD aims to ensure that the same culture of care extended to patients is offered to the workforce. Organisations are encouraged to foster an environment where staff feel able to seek help without fear of judgment or repercussion.

NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day

Dr Ellen Welch is DAUK co-chair, MWF campaigns co-lead and an organiser of NHSDAAD.

She 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.

“NHSDAAD aims to ensure the same care and support staff extend to patients, is also given to them.

“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.”

NHS staff

Dr Sarah Jacques, is DAUK GP co-lead, MWF campaigns co-lead, and an organiser of NHSDAAD .

She said: “This campaign will be deeply personal to a lot of NHS staff.

“For far too long our colleagues have been terrified to speak, frightened that asking for help would damage their careers or leave them exposed. No one should ever feel that trapped or alone.

“NHSDAAD is our commitment to creating a culture where people feel safe to come forward, are met with compassion, and can access support when they need it most.”

Professor Dame Jane Dacre, MWF president, said: “The Medical Women’s Federation is clear that any form of abuse is unacceptable, that’s why this campaign is so important.

Domestic abuse policies

“Domestic abuse of doctors and other healthcare professionals is especially concerning and needs to be highlighted in order to prevent harm to those who care for others.”

The campaign calls for all NHS organisations to maintain robust domestic abuse policies to protect staff. It also calls for domestic abuse education throughout university training and beyond.

Other calls include access to emergency hardship funds for those experiencing abuse, and a positive workplace culture that actively supports staff.

NHS staff and patients can get involved by wearing white ribbons, the symbol of the movement to end men’s violence against women and girls. They can also post on social media using the hashtag #NHSDAAD.

And resources are available on the NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day page on the DAUK website.

Lucy Warner, is chief executive of NHS Practitioner Health. She said: “Over the last few years we have identified a growing number of health and care professionals seeking mental health support through NHS Practitioner Health where domestic abuse is a factor.

Seeking help

“Seeking help through the usual channels can be especially challenging for those working in health and care settings.

“The potential overlap between personal and professional lives, such as encountering colleagues or even patients in support services, adds an additional layer of complexity, making it harder for professionals to access the care they need safely and confidentially.

“Through Practitioner Health, we are committed to providing psychological safety to enable healthcare professionals to disclose their experiences without fear of judgement or breach of confidentiality.”

Dr Becky Cox, is co-founder of Surviving in Scrubs. She said: “We are proud to support NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day in association with DAUK and the MWF.

“Too many women working in healthcare experience domestic abuse, we must urgently recognise this issue and prioritise support for survivors.”

Improve safety and support

Dr Sandi Dheensa, University of Bristol, research fellow in BRIGHT (Bristol Research on the Intersection of Gender, Health, and Trauma), said: “Policy increasingly emphasises healthcare professionals’ responsibilities to patients affected by abuse, but we need to improve safety and support for the 42 per cent of female HCPs who are experiencing domestic abuse themselves.”

Hayley Coates, is network, training and innovation manager at IRISi Intervention. She said: “At IRISi, we are the only national charity dedicated solely to improving the healthcare response to domestic abuse.

“Domestic abuse has wide-ranging impacts on physical and mental health, affecting patients and staff.”

“NHSDAAD is an important reminder that every health service must be equipped to respond safely and effectively.

“For more than a decade, our evidence-based programmes and research partnerships have supported healthcare professionals to identify, respond to, and refer victims and survivors with confidence.

Seen, heard, and supported

“Everyone affected by abuse deserves to be seen, heard, and supported and no one should face it alone.”

Dr Dasha Ibrahim, Women in Healthcare Leadership, said: “Domestic abuse often hides in silence. We know its impact falls unevenly, disproportionately affecting women.

“Today we stand with every survivor and we commit to creating healthcare spaces where everyone feel safe, heard, and supported.”

Steve Crone, Royal Medical Benevolent Fund chief executive, said: “We recognise the profound impact domestic abuse can have on doctors’ lives and careers. We are here to help.

“If you are a doctor experiencing domestic abuse and are in financial need, please get in touch with us. As a UK charity for doctors, any contact with the RMBF is completely confidential.”

Confidential

Professor Mumtaz Patel, Royal College of Physicians president, welcomed the establishment of NHSDAAD.

“We stand with the MWF and DAUK in calling for NHS employers to better support staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse.

“It’s vital healthcare institutions have clear easily accessible information and resources so that individuals know where to turn, and so that colleagues and managers can respond with empathy, compassion and confidentiality.”

All of our committee members are volunteers. They speak to the media and campaign on the issues facing doctors in their own time. Please support their work by joining DAUK or donating to our GoFundMe.

NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day is being launched by DAUK and the Medical Women’s Federation (MWF). It takes place on Wednesday 10 December.

Now the Days of the Year website has given official recognition for NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day.

Dr Ellen Welch, DAUK co-chair and MWF campaigns co-lead and an organiser of the day, welcomed the day’s official status.

Day of the Year

She said: “It’s fantastic that NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day has been formally recognised as a Day of the Year.

“It acknowledges the importance of the campaign and strengthens our calls for every NHS organisation to create a culture where victims of domestic abuse feel safe and supported.”

More than one in five people in England and Wales has experienced domestic abuse. Rates are especially high among female healthcare professionals. Research suggests they are three times more likely to experience it than the average person in the UK.

The campaign has the support of NHS Practitioner Health, Doctors in Distress, Surviving in Scrubs, BRIGHT (Bristol Research on the Intersection of Gender, Health, and Trauma), IRISi Intervention, Cameron Fund, Cavell, the Healthcare Leadership Academy, the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, and the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund.

NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day

Dr Sarah Jacques is DAUK GP co-lead, MWF campaigns co-lead and an organiser of NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day.

She said: “The support that NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day is receiving is fantastic.

“We’re delighted for it to be officially recognised as a Day of the Year, which reflects the growing momentum behind it.

“We hope it encourages more organisations to be part of the day. But not only that, we want to ensure that they adopt the policies and procedures that ensure all NHS staff know where to turn for support.”

NHS staff and patients can get involved on the day by wearing white ribbons, the global symbol of the movement to end men’s violence against women and girls.

#NHSDAAD

They can also post on social media using the hashtag #NHSDAAD.

Read more about NHS Domestic Awareness Day, and access NHS Domestic Abuse Day resources for healthcare professionals and organisations.

All of our committee members are volunteers. They speak to the media and campaign on the issues facing doctors in their own time. Please support their work by joining DAUK or donating to our GoFundMe.

NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day takes place on Wednesday 10 December. It is being launched by DAUK and the Medical Women’s Federation (MWF).

The day highlights the urgent need to recognise and respond to domestic abuse affecting NHS staff, and to recognise the unique barriers they can face seeking help.

It has been launched on White Ribbon Day, a global campaign to end violence against women and girls.

NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day

White Ribbon Day is held on 25 November each year and marks 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. They finish on 10 December when NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day takes place.

MWF is a White Ribbon supporter organisation. Medical student and MWF White Ribbon champion Divine Mkamwasi launched our 16 days of activism with a video on social media.

NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day calls for all NHS organisations to maintain robust domestic abuse policies to protect staff.

It also calls for domestic abuse education throughout university training and beyond, access to emergency hardship funds for those experiencing abuse, and a positive workplace culture that actively supports staff.

Support for NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day

NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day has the support of NHS Practitioner Health, Doctors in Distress, Surviving in Scrubs, BRIGHT (Bristol Research on the Intersection of Gender, Health, and Trauma), IRISi Intervention, Cameron Fund, Cavell, the Healthcare Leadership Academy, the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, and the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund.

The day has already been highlighted in a number of media outlets, including the Morning Star and Management in Practice.

NHS staff and patients can get involved on the day by wearing white ribbons, the global symbol of the movement to end men’s violence against women and girls.

#NHSDAAD

They can also post on social media using the hashtag #NHSDAAD.

Read more about NHS Domestic Awareness Day, and access NHS Domestic Abuse Day resources for healthcare professionals and organisations.

DAUK committee members are volunteers and campaign about issues facing doctors in their own time. Please support our work by joining DAUK or donating to our GoFundMe.

More than one in five people in England and Wales has experienced domestic abuse. Rates are especially high among female healthcare professionals, with research suggesting they are three times more likely to experience it than the average person in the UK.

NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day highlights the urgent need to recognise and respond to domestic abuse affecting NHS staff, and recognise the unique barriers they can face seeking help.

The campaign has the support of NHS Practitioner Health, Doctors in Distress, Surviving in Scrubs, BRIGHT (Bristol Research on the Intersection of Gender, Health, and Trauma), IRISi Intervention, Cameron Fund, Cavell, the Healthcare Leadership Academy, and the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse occurs across society. It affects people of all ages, genders, sexualities, ethnicities, and income levels, although it is predominantly women who suffer as a result.

Three women in the UK die each week due to domestic abuse, and a ten-year femicide census identified healthcare professionals (HCPs) as one of the most common occupations among victims.

The NHS is one of the world’s largest employers. In England it employs 1.7 million people, almost three quarters of whom are women.

These figures underline the likelihood that domestic abuse is affecting staff in every part of the health service.

NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day aims to ensure that the same culture of care extended to patients is offered to the workforce.

Organisations are encouraged to foster an environment where staff feel able to seek help without fear of judgment or repercussion.

NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day

The build up to NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day starts on White Ribbon Day (25 November), the global movement to end male violence against women and girls.

The Medical Women’s Federation is a White Ribbon supporter organisation and White Ribbon Champion, and medical student Divine Mkamwasi will launch our 16 days of activism on social media which will culminate in NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day.

Dr Ellen Welch, DAUK co-chair, MWF campaigns co-lead and an organiser of NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day, 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.

Safe space

“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.”

Dr Sarah Jacques, DAUK GP co-lead, MWF campaigns co-lead and an organiser of NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day, said: “This campaign will be deeply personal to a lot of NHS staff.

“For far too long our colleagues have been terrified to speak, frightened that asking for help would damage their careers or leave them exposed. No one should ever feel that trapped or alone.

“NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day is our commitment to creating a culture where people feel safe to come forward, are met with compassion, and can access support when they need it most.”

Important campaign

Professor Dame Jane Dacre, MWF president, said: “The Medical Women’s Federation is clear that any form of abuse is unacceptable, that’s why this campaign is so important.

“Domestic abuse of doctors and other healthcare professionals is especially concerning and needs to be highlighted in order to prevent harm to those who care for others.”

The campaign calls for all NHS organisations to maintain robust domestic abuse policies to protect staff.

It also calls for domestic abuse education throughout university training and beyond, access to emergency hardship funds for those experiencing abuse, and a positive workplace culture that actively supports staff.

#NHSDAAD

NHS staff and patients can get involved on the day by wearing white ribbons, the global symbol of the movement to end men’s violence against women and girls, and posting on social media using the hashtag #NHSDAAD.

We have developed NHS Domestic Abuse Day resources for healthcare professionals and organisations.

Lucy Warner, chief executive of NHS Practitioner Health, said: “Over the last few years we have identified a growing number of health and care professionals seeking mental health support through NHS Practitioner Health where domestic abuse is a factor.

“Seeking help through the usual channels can be especially challenging for those working in health and care settings.

“The potential overlap between personal and professional lives, such as encountering colleagues or even patients in support services, adds an additional layer of complexity, making it harder for professionals to access the care they need safely and confidentially.

“Through Practitioner Health, we are committed to providing psychological safety to enable healthcare professionals to disclose their experiences without fear of judgement or breach of confidentiality.”

Support

Dr Becky Cox, co-founder of Surviving in Scrubs, said: “We are proud to support NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day in association with DAUK and the MWF.

“Too many women working in healthcare experience domestic abuse, we must urgently recognise this issue and prioritise support for survivors.”

Dr Sandi Dheensa, University of Bristol, research fellow in BRIGHT (Bristol Research on the Intersection of Gender, Health, and Trauma), said: “Policy increasingly emphasises healthcare professionals’ responsibilities to patients affected by abuse, but we need to improve safety and support for the 42 per cent of female HCPs who are experiencing domestic abuse themselves.”

Hayley Coates, network, training and innovation manager IRISi Intervention, said: “At IRISi, we are the only national charity dedicated solely to improving the healthcare response to domestic abuse.

Physical and mental health impacts

“Domestic abuse has wide-ranging impacts on physical and mental health, affecting patients and staff.”

“NHS Domestic Abuse Awareness Day is an important reminder that every health service must be equipped to respond safely and effectively.

“For more than a decade, our evidence-based programmes and research partnerships have supported healthcare professionals to identify, respond to, and refer victims and survivors with confidence.

“Everyone affected by abuse deserves to be seen, heard, and supported and no one should face it alone.”

Dr Dasha Ibrahim, Women in Healthcare Leadership, said: “Domestic abuse often hides in silence. We know its impact falls unevenly, disproportionately affecting women.

“Today we stand with every survivor and we commit to creating healthcare spaces where everyone feel safe, heard, and supported.”

DAUK committee members are volunteers and campaign about issues facing doctors in their own time. Please support our work by joining DAUK or donating to our GoFundMe.

Healthcare workplaces generally offer no, or inadequate, support.

You may think you are the only doctor or HCP this has happened to, but you are not alone.

Specialist Support

Multiple specialist organisation exist to assist with specific types of abuse and are listed on the government website. We’ve listed the largest organisations with resources below:

• Women’s Aid
  • The Survivor Handbook
  • Making a safety plan
  • Break the silence: Telling your story
  • The Friends and Family Handbook
  • Find local support near you
• Refuge
  • What are my rights?
• Victim Support

• National Centre for Domestic Violence (emergency injunction service)

• The Freedom Programme

Financial Support

• Royal Medical Benevolent Fund
• The Domestic abuse fund for nurses and midwives
• The Cameron Fund (GPs)
• Cavell (nurses), nursing associates and midwives)

Post-Separation Abuse

• IDAS provide advice on PSA

• Post Separation Parenting Support Group

Bright Sky app

Bright Sky is a mobile app and website for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else.

The app can be downloaded for free from the app stores. Only download the app if it is safe for you to do so and if you are sure that your phone isn’t being monitored.

Hollie Guard app

Hollie Guard is a personal alarm, deterrent, evidence catcher and more

Clare’s Law

If you are concerned that a new, former or existing partner has an abusive past you can ask the police to check under the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as ‘Clare’s Law’). This is your ‘right to ask’. If records show that you may be at risk of domestic abuse, the police will consider disclosing the information.

A disclosure can be made if it is legal, proportionate and necessary to do so.

If you are concerned about a friend or family member, you can apply for a disclosure on behalf of someone you know. More info here

Get a court order to protect you or your child

If you’re a victim of domestic abuse you can apply for a court order or injunction to protect yourself or your child from:

• your current or previous partner
• a family member
• someone you currently or previously lived with

This is called a non-molestation or occupation order.

Get a non-molestation or occupation order if you’ve been the victim of domestic abuse.

Safe Spaces

Safe Spaces are safe, confidential rooms where victim-survivors can take some time to reflect, access information on specialist support services or call friends or family.

Helplines

If you want to access support over the phone, you can call:

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge) (Please note wait times can be over an hour)

Aanchal Women’s Aid 0800 0124 924 (available English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Gujarati, Tamil, Bengali)

The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)

The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop)

Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123

Rights of Women advice lines, there are a range of services available

24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line 0808 500 2222

Surviving Economic Abuse Financial Support line 08081968845

Refuge4Pets – helping people and animals escape DA – for animal fostering while the survivor leaves 0300 4000 121 info@refuge4pets.org.uk

For those causing harm who want to stop

Respect phone line – if you are worried about your own or someone else’s behaviour 0808 802 4040

Talk, Listen, Change 0161 872 110 enquiries@talklistenchange.org.uk

Locations specific, free, confidential support and advice is available to victim-survivors and their concerned family members or friends, 24 hours a day

England: Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247

Northern Ireland: Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline 0808 802 1414

Scotland: Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline 0800 027 1234

Wales: Live Fear Free 0808 80 10 100

• Follow our substacks: Medical Women’s Federation and DAUK
• Courage is contagious: we need to talk about the domestic abuse experienced by female doctors in the NHS. BMJ (2024) Seema Haider
• Support Services for doctors experiencing mental ill health and domestic abuse. Medscape. Kathryn Hayman
• Shattering the silence around domestic abuse. Medscape (2024) Vasumathy Sivarajasingam 

Podcasts and videos

• Surviving domestic abuse as a health and care professional with Dr Seema Haider and Dr Sandi Dheensa. NHS Practitioner Health Wellbeing Podcast (Dec 2024)
• BJGP Life Podcast Domestic abuse in doctors with Emily Donovan
•  
• Breaking the Silence: Kate’s Story Frank ITVx documentary  

Further information

• Understanding Narcissism – Dr Supriya McKenna
• Subtle Abuse – Dr Rosemary Parkinson

Research

• Research Integrity Framework on Domestic Violence and Abuse – Women’s Aid
• Domestic Abuse among female doctors: thematic analysis of qualitative interviews in the UK. BJGP (2021) Donovan, E et al
  • BJGP Life Podcast about the above article with Emily Donovan

• Healthcare Professionals’ Own Experiences of Domestic Violence and Abuse: A Meta-Analysis of Prevalence and Systematic Review of Risk Markers and Consequences. Trauma, Violence and Abuse (2022) Dheensa, S et al
• Healthcare professionals as domestic abuse survivors: workplace impact and support-seeking. Occupational Medicine (2024) Dheensa, S et al
• ‘I felt paralysed to ask for help for myself’: domestic abuse experienced by healthcare professionals. InnovAit (2023) Gregory, AC et al
• Domestic abuse: nurses experience it too. BJN (2025) Gregory, AC et al
• Domestic abuse experienced by healthcare practitioners: what about dentists and dental care professionals? A systemised review  BDJ (2025) MacNab LK et al

Reports

• RMBF – Spotlight on Domestic Abuse
• Cavell Nurses Trust – Skint, shaken, yet still caring
• Royal College of Midwives – Safe places? Workplace support for those experiencing domestic abuse
• BMA – Domestic abuse in the health profession report
• NHS England – Domestic abuse and sexual violence leadership update
• Standing together against domestic abuse – Never again report

Articles and Blogs – personal accounts

• Follow our substacks: Medical Women’s Federation and DAUK
• Courage is contagious: we need to talk about the domestic abuse experienced by female doctors in the NHS. BMJ (2024) Seema Haider
• Support Services for doctors experiencing mental ill health and domestic abuse. Medscape. Kathryn Hayman
• Shattering the silence around domestic abuse. Medscape (2024) Vasumathy Sivarajasingam 

Podcasts and videos

• Surviving domestic abuse as a health and care professional with Dr Seema Haider and Dr Sandi Dheensa. NHS Practitioner Health Wellbeing Podcast (Dec 2024)
• BJGP Life Podcast Domestic abuse in doctors with Emily Donovan
•  
• Breaking the Silence: Kate’s Story Frank ITVx documentary  

Further information

• Understanding Narcissism – Dr Supriya McKenna
• Subtle Abuse – Dr Rosemary Parkinson