Abuse

Domestic Abuse

For many health and care professionals, speaking about domestic abuse can feel impossible. It can be especially hard when the abusive partner is also a health or care professional.

We know that fear of not being believed, of damaging your career, or fear of a counter-complaint can make it incredibly difficult to reach out for help.

But your experiences matter. And we’re here to listen without judgment.

In recent years, we’ve seen a noticeable rise in health and care professionals coming to us at Practitioner Health, for mental health support where domestic abuse plays a significant role.

This highlights an urgent need for greater awareness and understanding across our professional community.

The truth is that health and care professionals are not immune to abuse. The demanding, high-pressure nature of your work the long hours, emotional strain, and constant care for others can make it harder to recognise when your own situation has become unsafe or unhealthy.

Sometimes, the stress and difficult interactions you face at work can make harmful behaviour at home feel “normal.” But it isn’t. You deserve safety, respect, and support.

We also know that seeking help can be complex. Many professionals worry about confidentiality about who will know, and what it might mean for their registration or career.

It’s understandable to have these concerns. That’s why at Practitioner Health, we provide a psychologically safe, confidential environment, designed specifically for people working in health and care. You can talk to us about how you’re feeling, and we’ll help you find the right kind of support whether that’s through mental health care, or by connecting you with specialist domestic abuse services who understand your needs.

There may be times when, for safety reasons, we need to involve other services, but we’ll work sensitively with you and explain every step. The safety and wellbeing of you and your family will always come first.

The effects of domestic abuse can be long-lasting and aren’t always visible. Even years later, certain stresses or pressures can bring up old pain or trauma.

Sometimes, people don’t even recognise what they’ve experienced as abuse until much later and that’s okay. Recognising it is a brave and important first step.

If you’re a colleague or friend who’s worried about someone, know that simply listening without judgment can make a huge difference.We also recognise that some health and care professionals may be identified as perpetrators of domestic abuse.

These situations are complex, and while accountability is essential, so too is understanding and support. Practitioner Health can help individuals access services to understand their behaviour and address the underlying issues that may have contributed to it.

We know that this can be an incredibly anxious time. Our role is to offer compassionate, professional support to help navigate those challenges and, where possible, support safe change. Life can be complex. But no one should have to face abuse or its effects alone.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or struggling with its impact, please reach out