ELFT - Domestic Abuse

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is defined as " any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality" (Home Office 2013). It includes psychological, physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse. "Honour" based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) are all forms of domestic violence and abuse; they are illegal and will be taken seriously by all our staff.

Why does it matter to our services?

There is a very close link between domestic violence and mental ill health. Abused women are "more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, psychosomatic systems, eating problems and sexual dysfunction" (WHO 2000).

If there is any domestic violence going on right now, recently, or in the past, it's important that we know so we can begin to help the service user live a safer and healthier life.

Report your concerns regarding domestic abuse

The Trust works in partnership with four local authorities where domestic violence and abuse has been identified: the City of London, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, as well as Richmond's Wellbeing service.

If you think a service user in East London NHS Foundation Trust is a victim of domestic violence or abuse, please raise your concerns with the Local Authority, safer neighbourhood team or police website in the borough where the service user is living right now.

Please refer to the relevant local authority and safer neighbourhood/police websites below where you will find more information.

Please click here for Leaflets "Say No to Abuse".

Trust Domestic Abuse Contact

For further information on Safeguarding Adults and Domestic Abuse issues relating to the Trust, please contact

Janette Clark
Associate Director for Safeguarding Adults & Domestic Abuse
Telephone: 020 8121 5338
E-mail: janette.clark3@nhs.net