Identifying, assessing, and responding to perpetration of domestic abuse(DA): a practice guide for professionals working in mental health services

Domestic abuse(DA) - abusive behaviour perpetrated by an adult towards another adult to whom they are personally connected (e.g. partners, ex-partners, or family members) - has major consequences for public mental health and mental health service use. Training and guidance for mental health professionals on identifying and responding to patients exposed to DA are available, but there has been less development of resources for mental health professionals in identifying, assessing, and responding to perpetrators of DA. In this article, we describe a framework for responding to DA perpetration in clinical settings in general adult mental health services, aimed at improving practice. This could support mental health professionals in sensitive enquiry and assessment for DA perpetration, and guide appropriate responses, as part of routine training and continuing professional development opportunities.