Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control

Domestic abuse includes more than physical violence. It can involve intimidation, humiliation, threats, sexual abuse, financial control, isolation, stalking and patterns of coercive control that leave someone feeling trapped and unsafe.

Children living in households where abuse occurs can be harmed even when the primary abuse is directed at an adult.

In a pharmacy you may only see brief moments that raise concern, but they can be important. Examples include one person answering every question, preventing the other from speaking, rushing someone away, or staying close during a private conversation. A child may look unusually watchful, silent, frightened or tense. You might also see repeated missed medicine collections, chaotic use of medicines, or signs that a household member cannot manage treatment freely and safely.

What You Might Notice

Coercive control focuses on power and restriction rather than visible injury. It often presents as fear, limited freedom, or pressure within family relationships. A child may not disclose anything but their behaviour can indicate that home does not feel safe.

• One person speaking for another and not allowing privacy.
• Fearfulness, flinching, distress, or unexplained injuries.
• Children appearing withdrawn, jumpy, or affected by tension at home.
• Medication routines disrupted by another person's control or intimidation.

Domestic abuse can place children at risk even when they are not the person speaking to you.

Responding Safely in Your Role

Children in households with domestic abuse may experience fear, emotional harm, neglect, instability or direct abuse. An interaction with an adult in the pharmacy can therefore raise safeguarding concerns about the wider household.

Your role is not to investigate or confront a controlling person. Stay observant, stay calm and think about safe escalation. If you can speak briefly and privately without increasing risk, that may help someone seek support. Do not force privacy if it could create danger. Record what you have seen or heard factually and follow your safeguarding procedure promptly.