In safe hands – Domestic abuse survivors experiences of general practice – July 2025

We worked with survivors, Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership, DA SEEN (formerly the Surrey Survivor Steering Group), and NHS colleagues, to influence change.

We spoke to 64 domestic abuse survivors via an online survey, focus groups and individual interviews to understand their experiences and to improve their experience. We also engaged with 8 GP practices.

Positive change

In May, we brought together an influential group of 21 key stakeholders, including groups representing survivors, system partners, and GPs to review the findings of the research and to work collaboratively to develop pragmatic and practical solutions to improve access to support and the experience of survivors.

They have committed to:

• Developing a “Trojan Horse” which enables people experiencing domestic abuse to communicate discretely with their GP practice.
• Promoting domestic abuse specialists within GP practice.
• Providing ongoing training and education in general practice to improve understanding of the different forms of domestic abuse.
• Providing training in trauma informed approaches to care to front line staff in general practice.
• Continuing to work on the development of a health passport for survivors.
• Sharing examples of best practice in individual GP practices.
• Creating a pathway for domestic abuse survivors.
• Creating a standardised referral form.
• Developing stronger links between outreach providers/link workers and local GP practices.
• Creating a directory of specialist domestic abuse services for use within GP practice.