Supporting people who are experiencing domestic abuse

Supporting the health, well-being and safety of people who are experiencing domestic abuse can be a life-saving intervention and is an important part of the mental health nurse’s role. This article details best practice in safely assessing and supporting these people, and outlines the associated indicators and the potential effects that domestic abuse can have on health. The article also details the actions that mental health nurses can take to improve the care of victims, and explains the importance of effective communication skills, risk management and record-keeping.