Financial abuse is often part of domestic violence. How affected doctors can protect their assets

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By Dr Cyra Mackintosh

Domestic violence against medical professionals is on the rise, and this often includes coercion and financial control. Dual-qualified medic and chartered accountant Dr Cyra Mackintosh provides guidance on where to turn for help.

Domestic violence (DV) doesn’t stop at the hospital door. Doctors, like everyone else, can be victims of physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse – and indeed, routine exposure to abusive behaviour in the workplace may even make doctors and other medical professionals uniquely vulnerable.

Because of the demands and culture of medical work, the consequences for clinicians can be especially harmful: compromised wellbeing, impaired performance, risk to patient safety, and career damage if abuse goes unrecognised or unsupported.

The good news is help exists, and there are practical, legal and financial steps victims can take to protect themselves and their assets.

In abusive relationships, exerting power or control over a partner’s finances is very common

Doctors facing abuse often suffer the same health and safety harms as other victims: physical injury, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, for example. However, there are additional professional pressures.