New publication in JAMA Neurology: Safeguarding people with multiple sclerosis from domestic violence

Our new paper "Safeguarding People With Multiple Sclerosis From Domestic Violence" published in JAMA Neurology is available to read now.

Led by A/Prof Claudia Marck, in collaboration with the MS Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) Research Initiative at the University of Leeds led by Prof Helen Ford (https://msdva.leeds.ac.uk), this paper is a call to action for neurology clinicians to address domestic violence.

People with MS are at high risk for domestic violence, with research suggesting that up to 63% of people with MS may experience domestic violence, yet it remains significantly under-detected and underreported in MS clinical care. A toolkit developed by the MS DVA research initiative proposes practical, evidence-based strategies for neurology clinicians to routinely assess patients at risk. The research emphasises that neurology clinicians are well positioned to implement these assessment strategies and reduce risk for ongoing violence through establishing coordinated support networks.

This new publication represents an important step toward building the evidence base for practical, MS-specific screening and response in neurological care.

Read the paper here, and find out more about this important program of work here.