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Welcome!

Research initiative logo highlighting MS in the word "Domestic"

                                                 

The MS Domestic Violence and Abuse Research Initiative is a transformative project funded by the Horne Family Charitable Foundation. It is the first UK study aimed at understanding the nature and prevalence of Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) in the lives of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Our Mission

Our mission is to explore the critical and often overlooked issue of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) among people with MS and to strengthen the way healthcare professionals recognise and respond to the signs of DVA.

What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, primarily the brain and spinal cord. It is a chronic fluctuating condition whereby people with MS experience episodes of symptoms and recover to a certain extent. No two individuals experience the same symptoms, and the symptoms differ from person to person.

Why This Project Matters

The population of people with multiple sclerosis is growing annually, with recent estimates from 2024 revealing that there are more than 150,000 people with multiple sclerosis in the UK, 70% of whom are women. People with disability, including those with MS, are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing DVA, yet they often find themselves with fewer support resources. Our initiative aims to:

  • Shed light on the unique challenges faced by people with MS experiencing DVA.
  • Improve the healthcare system by enabling clinicians to safely identify and respond to signs and disclosures of DVA in people with MS.
  • Strengthen the referral pathways to ensure people with MS receive comprehensive, timely support when responding to the experiences of DVA.

Our Approach

Driven by a passionate, interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham, we are committed to expanding the evidence base on DVA experiences specific to those with MS. Our approach is comprehensive and collaborative, involving two distinct phases to ensure a thorough understanding and impactful outcomes.

Phase One: Two dedicated PhD researchers are working to gather and analyse data. Kharis Hutchison (University of Leeds) is uncovering the lived experiences and support needs of people with MS, while Suzanne Britt (University of Nottingham) is examining the views and perspectives of healthcare professionals, aiming to identify gaps and opportunities in current healthcare practices.

Phase Two: Building on these insights, the postdoctoral research fellow (Shruthi Venkatachalam) leads the development of innovative, practical interventions. Central to this phase is creating a toolkit for healthcare practitioners and enabling them to safely identify, support, and refer MS patients experiencing DVA, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.

Join Us on This Journey

We believe that every person with MS deserves to live free from fear and abuse, supported by a healthcare system that views a person with MS as a whole person, not just a patient in need of medical treatment. Our work transcends research; it is a heartfelt commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of many.

We invite you to explore our website, learn more about our findings and initiatives, and join us in advocating for a safer, more supportive world for people with MS.

Together, we can create lasting change.