Health morbidities in carers with experience of domestic violence and abuse

The poor health of unpaid carers is well-documented. Evidence also highlights that carers can experience high levels of domestic violence and abuse (DVA). However, links between DVA victimisation and health outcomes in carers remains largely overlooked. We examined DVA prevalence in carers and non-carers, and the relationship between carers' DVA experience and health morbidities.

We analysed data from a general population probability sample survey of 6,971 adults (aged ≥ 16 years) in England. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations between caregiving, DVA experience, and mental and physical health morbidities (i.e., common mental disorders (CMD), probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), harmful alcohol use and chronic physical health conditions), adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors.

One person in five reported caring responsibilities. Caring was associated with higher odds of CMD and chronic physical health conditions. One in three carers reported experiencing DVA in adulthood, and carers were more likely to be victims of DVA than non-carers. In carers who experienced DVA, compared to carers reporting no DVA, adjusted odds of CMD (aOR 2.88, 95% CI 2.11-3.95); probable PTSD (aOR 5.67, 95% CI 3.12-10.30); hazardous alcohol use (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.09-2.15) and chronic physical health conditions (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.14-2.06), were significantly higher.

The risk of DVA victimisation among carers and the associated vulnerability to poorer health outcomes were highlighted. The need for greater awareness and identification of carers' risk of DVA, and better provision of support for the negative health consequences are emphasised.