Domestic abuse among female doctors: thematic analysis of qualitative interviews in the UK

Domestic abuse (DA) can affect each and every human being - impacts on the holistic wellbeing of an individual, causing ramifications throughout the whole family including short and long-term consequences to children.

There are many reasons why victims/survivors face barriers to seeking help. These include stigma/ shame, fear of reprisal, financial implications, and perceptions that help/support may not be available. In addition, few of the victims do not realise they are experiencing DA.

Current disastrous COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the issues. This is mainly due to lockdown restrictions, financial difficulties, social isolation, and victims being forced to stay indoors with the perpetrators - usual channels of support are now jeopardised. The end result is the negative impact that it causes not just for the victims but the whole family including the children.

Pandemic and the associated restrictions are inevitable. As health professionals, we have a duty of care not just to our patients but to our staff/colleagues too. Making people aware of DA is everyone’s business. Increasing awareness in society will force victims to recognise and acknowledge abuse they are experiencing and this in turn will reduce the detrimental effects of DA. I totally agree that peer support and empathy from health professionals are vital in offering support to the victims.

If we want to make a change, safe lives of those experiencing DA and enrich the lives of our children, we as frontline health care professionals should make a difference by raising awareness of the negative impacts of DA in our society and offer support to our victims. This I believe will definitely have a positive impact on survivors.