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Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025

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Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025

Please note, this article covers themes of domestic violence and abuse which some may find distressing at this time.

If you or anyone you know is suffering or at risk of any forms of domestic violence, please reach out for help – we have included some links below which can offer support and advice:

Introduction

Each year, October marks Domestic Violence Awareness month, an observance aimed at not only raising public awareness, but also supporting victims and survivors, and advocating for action against domestic violence.

Domestic Violence is defined by the UN as “a pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone.” (1)

Video in British Sign Language

According to the WHO and UN Women, approximately 1 in 3 women have been subjected to a form of domestic violence at least once in their life (2,3). This includes but is not limited to physical and/or intimate partner violence. Important to note is that this does not include sexual harassment.

Devastatingly, one of the notable consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic was a sharp increase in domestic violence incidents worldwide (4). Accounts from survivors highlight that these impacts are immeasurable (5). The emergence of literature investigating this period are a cause for reflection on where pre-existing gaps in prevention and provision of healthcare, which were exacerbated during the pandemic, could have contributed to this.

HERA

HERA, or Healthcare Responding to Violence and Abuse, is a collaborative, global study aimed at engaging both healthcare workers, and women affected domestic violence, to understand the challenges faced by women seeking support (6). The study had an international remit, consulting with communities in Brazil, occupied Palestinian Territories, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
The central intervention was a programme of training sessions, simulations and discussions designed to broaden and deepen understanding amongst healthcare providers (7). It also involved developing a more structured and formal approach to documentation and familiarising the workforce with pathways for ongoing support.

Ultimately, the integration of the HERA programme had an overwhelmingly positive impact on identification of domestic violence cases, and confidence in ongoing management including documentation and referrals (7). Bridging social and cultural norms did prove challenging and has been identified as an area for exploration and improvement.
Numbers aside, the HERA team also produced a short, 17-minute documentary to provide insight into the more human challenges and experiences of healthcare workers and women facing domestic violence alike: An equally important facet when finding solutions to tackle such a pervasive and distressing issue, but more importantly when providing support.

We asked our team at the WHOCC to watch and review the documentary, and give their reflections on HERA, domestic violence, and the role of healthcare systems in connecting and supporting women to safety.

Read on to find out more!

What were your key learning points/take home messages?

“It is really refreshing to see healthcare professionals take accountability and reflect on attitudes towards Domestic Violence. It truly takes the whole team to create a supportive atmosphere and to be able to recognise those who may be vulnerable and suffering.”

“The importance of listening to people around you, as a colleague, sibling, or friend; one person listening can be the hope and support someone needs to seek appropriate care.”

“The importance of screening for domestic violence and applying intervention to manage these cases. The health care systems are responsible for all these undercover cases.”

“The documentary shines on the HERA study; Training is a key point and has provided professional benefits, [as does] education.”

“Even in areas with somewhat different cultures, the overall stigma against GBV is quite similar, which shows that there are a lot of things that unite us as human beings, even if it is not always positive.”

Someone facing domestic violence may not present in a way which is stereotypical or shown in popular media. Physical injuries and mental health disorders are amongst the key signs to screen for, however, fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal disorders, cognitive impairments, nutrition-based disorders, and gynaecological disorders are also indicators of ongoing abuse (8).

Has this changed your outlook on domestic violence? If so, how?

“Healthcare professionals, regardless of their training, may not always be capable or willing to help patients. This is why campaigns should aim to recruit volunteers from the health workforce who can actively support patients in each primary care centre.”

“Domestic violence has multiple ways of impacting health – and these manifestations are not always textbook or ‘as expected’ – every encounter with a patient is an opportunity to screen for this.”

“Absolutely yes. First of all, the prevalence of violence against women and the domestic violence cases over the world was a shock for me as a public health physician. Second, the applicability of this intervention is cost-effective and very efficient to solve this problem.”

“Absolutely! I believe that this gives potential preventative measures as well as professional benefits.”

“I think it really emphasises the importance of compassion in public health, and the difference that one extra question, or the way you might phrase something, makes.”

Domestic Violence is a complex and multifaceted issue and has been shrouded in taboo, stereotypes, and stigma for many cultures across the globe (9). This includes self-blame and shame which can have dire consequences for access to healthcare (10). Creating an environment which maintains open communication, a safe space, and is prepared in advance to support those face domestic violence is key for individuals within the support network, and within the healthcare workforce. Equally important is establishing rapport and trust, being mindful of cultural barriers and sensitivities: in some communities, domestic violence can take the form of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), honour-based violence, forced marriage, and much more (11, 12).

Is there anything you would change about this documentary to improve it? Would you recommend this to others? if so, to who, and in what context?

 

“I think it was excellent to see a diversity of voices represented in the documentary – I think it could be longer and more in depth – I’d be interested to hear about the challenges they faced developing the programme and implementing it across so many different regions and cultures.”

 

“More perspectives from the victims would be a great addition, especially their descriptions of the importance of the actions taken before and after.”

“I think there is a way to make it shorter with the same impact.”

“Yes, to all healthcare staff around the world and especially those in primary care, as essential training to hear patients out, as sometimes they do show up for a symptom, but there might be multiple factors leading them there.”

“Absolutely! I think healthcare professionals and any person working with women vulnerable to domestic violence should watch this, to understand the significance that every interaction has.”

Tackling domestic violence and ensuring that prevention and protection are ongoing for those at risk and exposed to it is essential. Ensuring healthcare workers and individuals, including those at risk themselves are engaged and consulted to provide solutions will be a key driver for change. Capacity building within the health sector to identify and appropriately support those facing domestic violence requires investment in training, facilities, and time, but has the potential to make a world of difference.

Conclusion

Thanks go to all our team members who gave their thoughts and feedback – this hopefully will contribute to a very important and ongoing discourse on Domestic Violence support in healthcare.

What are your thoughts?

If you have 20 minutes spare, please do watch the documentary and reach out with your answers to these questions – we’re interested to hear your perspectives and reflections on HERA and the current work on Domestic Violence.

If you are keen to know more, or want to make changes to your own practice, here are some resources to explore further:

eLearning Modules on Domestic Violence:

Podcast Episodes and Videos:

Written by: Dr Ishani Sharma, WHOCC Collaborator

Reviewed by: Celine Tabche, WHOCC Co-director

Website editing by: Rachel Barker, WHOCC Support Officer

References: