As the debate surrounding the Assisted Dying Bill continues in Parliament, serious concerns are being raised over the potential dangers it poses to survivors of domestic abuse. Women’s Aid, along with other advocacy groups such as Stay Safe East and the Centre for Women’s Justice, has voiced fears that without sufficient safeguards, the Bill could leave some of society’s most vulnerable individuals at risk of coercion.
Sophie Francis-Cansfield, Head of Policy at Women’s Aid, warns that the Bill’s current form lacks adequate protection for domestic abuse survivors. “We fear that survivors may be coerced by their perpetrator into ending their own life if these protections are not improved,” she explains.
Domestic abuse, particularly coercive and controlling behaviour, is designed to make victims dependent on their perpetrators by isolating them from support and depriving them of independence. This form of abuse is closely linked to both domestic homicide and suicide, making it imperative that any assisted dying legislation incorporates stringent safeguards to protect those in abusive situations.
The Unique Risks Faced by Disabled and Older Survivors
One of the most alarming aspects of the Bill’s potential impact is its implications for disabled and older survivors. Research has consistently shown that disabled people are more likely to experience domestic abuse and coercive control. Survivors who rely on their abuser for care may find themselves in an especially vulnerable position, pressured into believing that their lives are a burden.
Medical coercion, which involves pressuring individuals into signing Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders or refusing medical treatment, is a documented form of abuse. This raises concerns that perpetrators could exploit the Bill under the guise of acting as a ‘carer’—particularly in cases where the survivor has learning difficulties or is unable to advocate for themselves.
Women’s Aid supports the call for stronger legislative measures to prevent such scenarios. “The Assisted Dying Bill, as it stands, does not sufficiently guard against the risk of abusers manipulating vulnerable individuals into making life-ending decisions,” Francis-Cansfield emphasises.
A Call for Action: Protecting Domestic Abuse Survivors
These concerns arise at a time when Women’s Aid is actively campaigning for better protections for abuse survivors through its latest initiative, ‘The Monster Who Came to Tea.’ Inspired by Judith Kerr’s classic children’s book The Tiger Who Came to Tea, this campaign takes a harrowing approach to highlighting domestic abuse, portraying an abusive father as a menacing ‘monster’ who threatens a young girl’s mother at the dinner table.
Created in partnership with agency House 337, the campaign aims to pressure the government into increasing funding for domestic abuse support services, particularly in light of the upcoming Spring Spending Review. Farah Nazeer, CEO of Women’s Aid, has called for urgent action: “Countless women and their children live in fear every day. This must change.”
The campaign, supported by a powerful film directed by Guy Manwaring and produced by Merman Branded, includes survivor stories and out-of-home and social media outreach. It encourages the public to sign an open letter urging the government to prioritise domestic abuse funding in the Spring Statement.
House 337’s Chief Growth Officer, Lucy Freedman, underscores the long-term vision of the campaign: “’The Monster Who Came to Tea’ isn’t just a campaign, it’s a movement. By integrating an educational component, we’re ensuring this conversation continues beyond the campaign’s lifespan and into the classroom, helping to shape a future free from domestic abuse.”
The Road Ahead
The concerns surrounding the Assisted Dying Bill highlight the critical need for comprehensive safeguards that prevent its potential misuse in cases of domestic abuse. Women’s Aid and its partners are urging Parliament to consider the unique risks faced by survivors and to implement protections that ensure their safety.
At the same time, the ongoing campaign for increased domestic abuse funding serves as a stark reminder that systemic change is needed. As the government pledges to halve violence against women in a decade, advocacy groups insist that this commitment must be backed by tangible action, not just rhetoric.
With domestic abuse at crisis levels, legislative and financial commitments must align to protect the most vulnerable. Whether through revising the Assisted Dying Bill or securing essential funding for support services, policymakers must prioritise safeguarding survivors and ensuring they are not left unprotected in their darkest moments.
