Introduce the Hidden Harm Act to strengthen abuse safeguard

Background

Create specific statutory measures to recognise and address psychological and coercive abuse, improve early risk identification, ensure trauma-informed responses across services, and strengthen safeguarding to prevent escalation and serious harm.

Additional details

Psychological and coercive abuse can cause profound and long-term harm, yet it is often minimised, misunderstood, or treated as a relationship dispute rather than a safeguarding issue. Victims may experience mental health deterioration, loss of employment, social isolation, and increased risk of serious harm. Clearer statutory recognition and joined-up professional guidance would improve early intervention, accountability, and prevention.