Recent research suggests that healthcare professionals may be more likely to experience domestic abuse than people in the general population. This research also indicates that healthcare staff members are less able to seek support.

Here we look into the research around this issue's prevalence, some of the factors that make doctors more vulnerable, as well as sources of support from charities like the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund.

Prevalence

Domestic abuse among doctors is more common than many might assume, but it is often unreported due to stigma and concerns about professional repercussions.

At the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, we have seen a significant increase in doctors accessing support as a direct result of domestic abuse. Five years ago we might have had the odd case, but it now accounts for 6% of our caseload.

However, we know anecdotally that the figure is higher. Some beneficiaries will present with mental health as a primary issue. But scratch the surface, and domestic abuse is often a major contributing factor.

Dr Sandi Dheensa is one of the authors of a newly published study into healthcare professionals as domestic abuse survivors, which cites a global meta-analysis indicating how 42% of female health care professionals have experienced domestic abuse.

Factors putting doctors at greater risk of domestic abuse

A stressful work environment

Medical professionals often face intense pressure due to long hours, emotional exhaustion, and the responsibility of patient care. This chronic stress can create vulnerability to abuse at home, where they may lack control or feel emotionally depleted.

Dr Emily Donavan is a GP partner and has carried out academic research on domestic abuse and its impact on doctors. "We found that the culture in medicine can have an impact," she says. "The women cited how it perhaps made them used to being bullied.

"When they experienced a partner being horrible to them when they got home, it mirrored how they had been treated at work all day by patients, nurses, and other doctors - being criticised, dumped on, told to work harder, do more, work long hours. It just carried on in their home life. It made it seem normal to be in a relationship that is like how you are treated at work."

Personality Traits

Doctors may have a strong sense of duty and responsibility, leading them to endure difficult situations or relationships longer than others. Their care-giving nature might make them more likely to excuse or tolerate abusive behaviour, hoping to 'fix' the situation or person.

As Dr Donovan highlights, "Doctors tend to be people that haven't failed at anything before. They've typically been top of their class, haven't given up, and had a mentality in their studies that drives them to keep going and keep working hard. Many of the participants I spoke to felt that this mentality probably kept them going in a relationship much longer than they should have".

Isolation

Domestic abuse often leads to social isolation, as abusers frequently control or limit the victim's contact with friends, family, and colleagues.

For doctors, who already work in a high-stress, time-consuming profession, this isolation can be especially pronounced. The long hours and emotional toll of the work can already lead to a sense of detachment from social support networks, and domestic abuse exacerbates this problem.

The impacts of domestic abuse

Personal impact: erosion of self-esteem and identity

Doctors are often seen as the epitome of rational, composed individuals who are expected to manage crises with clarity. When faced with domestic abuse, many doctors might therefore worry that admitting to being a victim may damage their professional reputation or lead to doubts about their ability to perform their duties effectively.

The fear of being judged by colleagues, patients, and superiors can prevent many doctors from seeking help, and reporting abuse or acknowledging personal struggles can be seen as a sign of weakness in a profession where strength is highly prized.

"Doctors spoke to me about the shame and embarrassment of being in an abusive relationship," says continues Dr Donavan, speaking further on her research. "It impacted their sense of identity and belonging as a doctor, causing social and professional isolation. The women were often disbelieved, and there was a sense of being told, 'You are a clever doctor, why the hell would you have got into such a mess?'"

Mental health and psychological toll

Being a doctor is inherently stressful, and the demanding nature of the profession often leads to high levels of burnout. Domestic abuse compounds this stress, creating a 'dual burden' of emotional and physical strain.

On one hand, the doctor must manage the rigorous demands of their job, including long hours, emotional exhaustion from caring for patients, and the ever-present risk of medical errors. On the other hand, they must contend with the abusive dynamics at home, which drain their energy and mental resilience.

This combination of workplace stress and domestic abuse can lead to severe burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that reduces a doctor's ability to provide compassionate care.

Doctors who experience abuse may also exhibit signs of anxiety, depression or PTSD, all of which can impair their concentration, decision-making and ability to manage high-stakes situations in the workplace.

Further reading:

• Domestic abuse in the health profession report
• PRESSURE study: Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol
• Courage is contagious: we need to talk about the domestic abuse experienced by female doctors in the NHS

The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the MDU.