What referral pathways are available for patients identified as victims of domestic violence in my practice?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025Updated: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Your practice should have established integrated care pathways for identifying, referring, and providing interventions to support patients identified as victims of domestic violence . These pathways should also address those who perpetrate abuse .

Key referral pathways and supporting mechanisms available include:

  • Specialist Domestic Violence and Abuse Agencies: A clear referral pathway to specialist domestic violence and abuse agencies should be established . These services provide tailored advice, advocacy, and support based on the individual's risk level and specific needs, including support in different languages .
  • Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs): Referral to an IDVA service is a key pathway, particularly for victims at high risk of harm . IDVAs help assess risk, discuss options, create safety plans, and work with other agencies to increase safety for victims, including children .
  • Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC): For adult and child victims at high risk of serious harm or homicide, cases can be referred to a MARAC . This process brings together various statutory and voluntary agencies to jointly support victims and address perpetrator behaviour .
  • IRIS (Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) Programme: Practices may utilise the IRIS programme, which provides specific domestic abuse in-house training, support to practice teams, referral, and recording, often by embedding a domestic abuse specialist within the practice .
  • Other Health and Social Care Services: Referrals can be made to a range of services depending on the patient's needs, including:
    • Maternity services
    • Sexual health services
    • Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) for reported sexual abuse
    • Mental health services
    • Substance misuse services
    • Housing support
    • Financial advice
    • Counselling
    • Advocacy services
  • Police and Criminal Justice System: For medical and legal investigations, especially in cases of reported sexual abuse, referral to the police may be appropriate .
  • Children and Young People's Services: Children and young people affected by domestic abuse should be offered referral to age-appropriate specialist domestic abuse services, which may include psychoeducational support, counselling, or specialist children's victim support workers .
  • National and Local Helplines/Organisations: Information about support, including contact details for relevant local and national helplines, should be clearly displayed . Specific helplines and organisations include:
    • Men's Advice Line (for male victims)
    • Respect (for male victims and their networks)
    • Survivors UK (for men and non-binary people affected by sexual abuse)
    • Women's Aid (provides web information and support for children and young people)
    • ChildLine (a free 24-hour service for anyone under 19)
    • Galop (national LGBT domestic abuse helpline)
    • National Centre for Domestic Violence (provides a fast, free emergency injunction service)

Referral pathways should include age-appropriate options and options for groups who may find it more difficult to disclose or access services . All services should have formal referral pathways in place for those subjected to abuse, perpetrators, and affected children . Information sharing between agencies should follow clear protocols, adhering to confidentiality principles and the Data Protection Act, with consent sought unless there is serious risk . Documentation of domestic abuse should be hidden from accessible online records . For pregnant women, consider offering referral to a domestic abuse support worker .

Educational content only. Always verify information and use clinical judgement.