Recognising and supporting families through domestic violence and abuse

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) has rapidly become a global public health concern. In the UK, nurses and other health professionals are required to recognise and intervene in all cases where someone may be at risk of DVA.

It is recognised that DVA affects the victim, any children and perpetrators in a multitude of ways. Often these effects will limit physical and emotional wellbeing, with lifelong consequences. Understanding DVA will help nurses and other health professionals to respond and contribute to improving the lives of those affected. This article explores the epidemiology of DVA, focusing on the signs that should prompt concern and how nurses and other health professionals can support these individuals and their families.

The current definition of DVA includes any incident of threatening behaviour, violence, abuse or control that occurs between two adults or young people over the age of 16 years, who are or have been in an intimate relationship or are family members, regardless of sex or sexuality (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2016). DVA may be physical, psychological, sexual, financial or emotional.