Hospital staff at Northwick Park and other local NHS sites are now asking patients a simple but important question — “How safe do you feel?” — in a bid to help uncover domestic abuse and other hidden harms.
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH), which runs Northwick Park Hospital, says the question is part of a wider campaign to give people the confidence and space to speak up about abuse, including neglect and serious youth violence.
Ludmila Ibesaine, Head of Safeguarding at LNWH, said: “Domestic abuse is often hidden in plain sight. Our job is to recognise it, respond to it, and never miss that moment when someone is ready to ask for help.”
“Research shows it can take around 50 episodes of abuse before a victim speaks up and hospitals can offer that moment of safety in a trauma-informed, confidential space to ask the right question in the right way.”
The campaign is currently running in emergency departments and maternity services across the Trust. It has already led to an increase in disclosures and referrals to safeguarding services, the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor service, and Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences. This includes cases involving hospital staff who may be experiencing abuse outside of work.
The Trust is also delivering a series of training events called The Spotlight Series: shining a light on hidden harms, which focus on often overlooked aspects of domestic abuse. These include topics such as coercive control, stalking, abuse of older people, forced marriage, and abuse within LGBTQ+ and disabled communities.
Each of the 23 sessions aims to give staff practical guidance, expert insight and, where possible, lived experience to help them respond with greater understanding and confidence.
LNWH is also expanding its network of Safeguarding Champions, which includes Domestic Abuse Champions. These staff members help to ensure specialist knowledge and support are available across hospital teams.
“This work is about raising awareness and creating safe spaces for people to speak up,” added Ludmila.
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust provides hospital and community services to people living in Harrow, Brent and Ealing.
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