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Domestic Abuse-related Deaths: NHS Prevention
20 January 2026
Lead MP
Simon Opher
Stroud
Lab
Responding Minister
Karin Smyth
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementJustice & CourtsNHSEmployment
Word Count: 11459
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Simon Opher raised concerns about domestic abuse-related deaths: nhs prevention in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks for better training and protocols within the NHS to ensure early identification and intervention in cases of domestic abuse. He also calls for a simple referral service, with one number, to be rolled out across integrated care boards to help GPs identify and refer victim-survivors to support.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
On average, five people a week die as a result of domestic abuse in this country. Behind each statistic is a life lost and a family devastated. There are instances where health services could have intervened to prevent such tragedies. About half a million people seek support from the NHS annually regarding domestic abuse, with 85% making at least five visits before receiving effective help due to issues of recognition and referral service complexity.
Alex Sobel
Lab/Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Honour-based abuse is widely misunderstood in health settings, leading to missed opportunities for early identification and intervention. Victims often have repeated contact with the NHS over many years.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Highlights the devastating impact of suicides due to coercive control in Portsmouth, emphasizing the need for joined-up NHS and police services.
Cat Eccles
Lab
Stourbridge
Emphasised that the NHS encounters victims and perpetrators more frequently than law enforcement. Highlighted the need for mandatory standardised training on domestic abuse and coercive control, as well as better coordination between agencies.
Emphasised the need to imprint on healthcare workers the idea of considering domestic abuse and to enable a simple referral process for support.
Gregory Stafford
Con
Farnham and Bordon
The MP discusses the importance of the debate, citing statistics from the Office for National Statistics. He mentions the case of Alan Jermey in his constituency, highlighting the failure of the system to intervene effectively.
Epsom and Ewell
In November 2025, Surrey police recorded 45 incidents of domestic abuse in her constituency. She highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be better equipped to identify and support victims of domestic abuse, noting that less than 24% of domestic abuse crimes are reported.
Jess Asato
Lab
Lowestoft
Thanks Dr Opher for securing this debate on an important issue, focusing on the need for better support and training for NHS staff dealing with domestic abuse victims.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
In Northern Ireland, the Police Service recorded almost 30,000 domestic abuse incidents in the 2024 to 2025 period. Despite a slight decrease from the previous year, these numbers remain extremely concerning.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Bristol South
The Minister addressed the need for specialised NHS training on domestic abuse, acknowledged the importance of a comprehensive plan for health, and confirmed the Department’s contribution to the VAWG strategy over this spending review period.
Sarah Olney
LD
Richmond Park
Emphasises the importance of proper training and support for NHS staff dealing with domestic abuse victims, noting that only 16% report their experiences to the police and less than 5% result in charges.
Government Response
Karin Smyth
The Minister for Secondary Care
Government Response
Welcomed the debate and thanked Dr Opher. Addressed the importance of domestic abuse training, confirmed £5 million annual investment in victim services and up to £50 million over three years for child house model rollout. Emphasised the need for consistent and responsive support from NHS staff. Discussed initiatives such as Steps to Safety, training for GP staff, specialist advice workers in practices, reduction of alcohol impact on violence against women and girls, new measures by Home Secretary and Justice Secretary, and the national endeavour to halve violence against women and girls by the end of the decade.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.