GP surgeries in 12 areas of England are starting to help people experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence. The programme is called Steps to Safety. It was announced on 23 October by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
How does it work? Surgery staff receive training. They are to recognise signs of abuse and refer patients to local specialists. Patients can talk to any member of surgery staff – including about abuse that happened years ago. If they agree, they get their own specialist. This worker is a single, consistent contact, helps with a safety plan and arranges further support.
The first phase covers 12 NHS areas: Cheshire and Merseyside, North East and North Cumbria, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, the Black Country, Birmingham and Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Surrey and Sussex, Kent and Medway, Bristol with North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The government is allocating up to £34.4 million over three years to this phase. Separately, £15 million will go to all NHS regions in England to support victims. The programme is to cover all of England by 2029.
What it means for you
- Families and children: you can talk about abuse at home at the surgery you already visit. You do not have to call the police straight away or look for organisations on your own.
- People with limited English: on the NHS you have the right to a free interpreter. Ask for one when booking an appointment.
- Employers: domestic abuse often affects an employee’s attendance and safety. It is worth knowing where to refer them.
Our assessment
This is a good direction. Many people, including in Polish families, do not report abuse because they fear the police, do not speak the language or do not know where to go. The family doctor is a familiar and trusted place. The downside: for now the programme only operates in part of England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own support systems. Much also depends on whether surgeries find time for training given their current workload.
What to do
- If you are in danger – call 999. If you call from a mobile and cannot speak, press 55 when connected.
- If you live in one of the 12 areas, you can ask for a conversation at your GP surgery.
- Information on help across the UK: GOV.UK – Domestic abuse: how to get help.
Source: GOV.UK – Department of Health and Social Care, “Steps to Safety initiative introduced in 12 areas across England” (23.10.2026).
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