Patients visiting Ealing Hospital are now being asked the question – “How safe do you feel?” – as part of a new initiative to support people affected by domestic abuse and other forms of harm.
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH), which runs Northwick Park, Ealing and Central Middlesex hospitals, says domestic abuse remains one of the most common types of harm encountered by its staff, alongside neglect and serious youth violence.
Ludmila Ibesaine, head of safeguarding at LNWH said: “Domestic abuse is often hidden in plain sight. Our job is to recognise it, respond to it, and never miss that moment when someone is ready to ask for help.”
The trust’s Spotlight Series of learning sessions aims to shine a light on lesser-recognised forms of domestic abuse – from coercive control and stalking to forced marriage and abuse affecting LGBTQ+ and disabled communities. The 23 topics blend expert insight, practice guidance and, where possible, lived experience.
Ms Ibesaine added: “Research shows it can take around 50 episodes of abuse before a victim speaks up and hospitals can offer that moment of safety in a trauma-informed, confidential space to ask the right question in the right way.
“This work is about raising awareness and creating safe spaces for people to speak up.”
The campaign has already led to an increase in disclosures and referrals to safeguarding teams, independent domestic violence advisors and multi-agency risk assessment conferences. This includes cases involving hospital staff who may be experiencing abuse in their personal lives.
