Carers Experiencing Domestic Abuse: CEDA V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
‘Making the invisible visible’: identifying and responding to unpaid carers who experience domestic abuse from end-of-life care recipients
IRAS ID
359868
Contact name
Michelle Myall
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Unpaid carers, including family members, friends and neighbours, play a vital role in delivering at home, end of life (EOL) care. In England, approximately 500,000 people provide unpaid EOL care, off-setting health service costs and enabling patient choice. However, the demands of providing EOL care often exceed carers’ capacity to cope and are associated with poor physical and mental health, social isolation and financial insecurity.
While the general toll of caring is well documented, little attention has been paid to the impact of caring for a person at the EOL who is, or has previously been, abusive. Research that helps understand carer-survivors’ experiences and informs policy and practice for improved support is imperative.
This study focuses on unpaid carers in England who experience Domestic Abuse (DA) from their care recipient, when the care recipient is near the EOL. Researchers will work with carers with lived experience, service providers and other experts to gather information on the impact of the abuse, what support is needed and how service providers can help. The research aims to:
• Contribute to the existing knowledge base on adult carer-survivors, to inform understanding of their experiences and support needs.
• Co-produce guidance to improve professional support for carer-survivors to minimise harm and improve wellbeing.
• Utilise findings to inform policy and practice.The study design involves qualitative research methods. We will first establish a Community of Practice to guide the study. Then around 20 carer-survivors will be recruited: some will take part in an interview, others may engage with the project via an Arts-Based Method. We will also organise online focus groups or round-table discussions for up to 25 Health and Social Care professionals and representatives from charities, third sector organisations and local authorities.
The planned study length is two years, it is funded by Marie Curie.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0228
Date of REC Opinion
5 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion