Primary care response to domestic violence and abuse in the COVID-19 pandemic: interrupted time series and qualitative study

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people in the UK and globally have experienced domestic violence and abuse (DVA), trapped in a home with an abusive partner, spouse or other adult. It is difficult for victims to disclose abuse and seek help. We know that many victims, would choose to disclose to their GP, particularly if they are asked about abuse. In the past decade - in line with national policy - more and more GPs have been trained in how to ask and respond to these patients, providing general support and a crucial link to expert support from local DVA agencies. During the pandemic most consultations with GPs have been via telephone or video and even once the lockdown is relaxed, it is likely that more consultations will not be face-to-face. In this research proposal we will (i) measure how GP referral to DVA agencies has changed in 30 areas in England and Wales during and after the lockdown compared to the year before the pandemic referral (ii) explore whether and how GPs have managed to ask safely about abuse, offering support and referral in remote consultations, and also how they have adapted to online training about DVA.