Marking World MS Day: vital research into domestic abuse and MS

To mark World MS Day, the School of Sociology and Social Policy are showcasing the vital work of colleagues relating to Multiple Sclerosis and Domestic Abuse and Violence (DVA).

Every five minutes someone, somewhere in the world is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a demyelinating condition, which affects the way nerves conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain. Symptoms can include blurred vision, weak limbs, tingling sensations, unsteadiness, memory problems, and fatigue. It is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system, and an estimated 2.9 million people across the world have MS, with most being diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. MS is two to three times more common in women than in men. There is currently no cure, but treatments can modify the course of the disease.

Domestic Violence & Abuse and MS

Since 2022, colleagues from the Universities of Leeds and Nottingham have been leading pioneering research into a critically underexplored issue: domestic violence and abuse experienced by people living with MS. The MS DVA Research Initiative, supported by the Horne Family Charitable Fund, includes two major PhD studies and a postdoctoral research fellowship.

Based in the Leeds School of Sociology and Social Policy, Kharis Hutchison’s PhD (2026) explored the lived experiences of women with MS who are victim-survivors of DVA, shedding light on the complex and often hidden challenges they face. In parallel, Suzanne Britt (forthcoming), based within the School of Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham, examined how MS healthcare professionals (HCPs) identify and respond to DVA in their MS patients.

DVA remains a deeply sensitive and often hidden issue. Many victim-survivors experience stigma and fear, which can prevent them from seeking help. For people living with MS or other long-term conditions, these challenges can be intensified. Concerns about mobility, access to medication, suitable housing, and specialist support services can make leaving abusive relationships significantly more difficult. Findings from the Leeds study highlight how the chronic stress associated with coercive and controlling behaviour can exacerbate MS symptoms, compounding both physical and psychological harm.

World MS Day celebrates the critical role of healthcare professionals in improving outcomes for people living with MS. The Nottingham PhD study found that MS specialists recognise their unique position in identifying signs of DVA. Long-term relationships with patients enable them to build trust, notice changes over time, and create opportunities for sensitive conversations. However, professionals also identified a need for more time, training, and dedicated resources to support this work effectively.

The MS DVA toolkit

In response, the MS DVA toolkit, developed at Leeds, provides practical, evidence-based guidance to support HCPs in identifying and responding to DVA in MS care. Drawing on insights from both PhD studies, the toolkit offers both a comprehensive overview and targeted resources for clinical practice. It was recently launched to widespread acclaim at the 2026 conference of the MS Trust.

This collaborative cross-discipline research, spanning two universities, demonstrates the value of cross-institutional approaches to an understanding of complex health challenges. Both MS and DVA are multifaceted issues, with biological, psychological, and social dimensions that require integrated responses.

On World MS Day, the School of Sociology and Social Policy are proud to highlight this groundbreaking work. By bringing the issue of DVA in MS out of the shadows, the collaboration aims to uphold the spirit of World MS Day by improving advocacy and awareness, strengthening professional practice, and ultimately supporting better outcomes for people living with MS.