A Step Forward for Survivors: Specialist NHS Support for Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence

Survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence across England will now be able to access specialist NHS support, following new government plans to embed dedicated care pathways within health services. The move aims to ensure survivors are met with trauma-informed, consistent support, recognising that abuse is not only a criminal justice issue, but a long-term health and wellbeing concern.

For many survivors, healthcare settings are one of the few places they may disclose abuse. This reform represents a vital opportunity to intervene earlier, provide safer routes to help, and reduce the burden placed on survivors to navigate complex systems alone.

Why It Matters

Domestic abuse and sexual violence have profound and lasting impacts - physically, mentally and emotionally. Survivors often face:

• delayed or fragmented support

• fear of being disbelieved

• re-traumatisation through repeated disclosures

• limited access to specialist care

By integrating specialist services within the NHS, survivors are more likely to receive timely, coordinated and compassionate support, helping reduce long-term harm and improve recovery outcomes.

What This Means for Safeguarding and Community Safety

• Earlier intervention through trusted services:
  Health professionals are often among the first to notice signs of abuse. Specialist pathways ensure concerns are recognised and acted upon safely.

• Trauma-informed care:
  Dedicated NHS services can provide confidential, survivor-centred support without judgement, helping people feel safe to speak up.

• Stronger cross-sector collaboration:
  Effective safeguarding depends on coordination between healthcare, police, local authorities, charities and community partners.

• Reduced barriers to help:
  Embedding support within mainstream healthcare reduces stigma and practical barriers that prevent survivors from seeking help.

• Digital access to information and reporting:
  Alongside in-person care, survivors benefit from discreet digital routes to information, reporting tools and trusted support, particularly where speaking out feels unsafe.

imabi’s View

At imabi, we welcome this step towards joined-up, survivor-focused safeguarding. Survivors deserve systems that work around them - not systems they must fight to navigate.

We believe effective protection relies on:

• Accessible, discreet routes to help, including digital tools that can be used safely

• Clear information and signposting, so survivors know their options

• Partnership working across healthcare, community organisations and public services

• Prevention and early intervention, not just crisis response

Through platforms like imabi Travel Guardian, imabi Inspire, and imabi Pro, we help connect individuals, communities, educational settings and organisations to trusted support, reporting pathways and safeguarding information, empowering people to seek help safely, when and how they need it.

Specialist NHS care is a crucial step forward; but lasting change comes when every system i.e. health, workplace, education and community, plays its part in protecting survivors and preventing abuse.

Source: Sky News, December 2025