Guidance

Domestic abuse: a resource for health professionals

Information to help all NHS staff and allied healthcare partners in their response to victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Documents

Details

This resource looks at how health professionals can support adults and young people over 16, and dependent children, who are experiencing domestic abuse.

It will help health staff to:

  • identify potential victims
  • initiate sensitive routine enquiry
  • respond effectively to disclosures of abuse

Commissioners will gain insight into services to support people experiencing domestic violence and abuse, and the importance of joined-up local strategic planning.

The resource draws on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence multi-agency guidelines on domestic violence and abuse, and provides:

  • the legal and policy contexts of domestic abuse in England
  • information for commissioners on effective integrated care pathways
  • information for service providers on shaping service delivery
  • what health practitioners need to know and do
  • information to ensure the right pathway and services are in place locally
Published 8 March 2017