For Dr. Helen Ford, a leading expert in multiple sclerosis (MS) in England, the COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted a dire and often overlooked issue: the vulnerability of MS patients to domestic violence and abuse (DVA). During the lockdowns, individuals were urged to remain indoors, which unfortunately created a perfect storm for those already living in abusive situations. Isolation, combined with the restrictions, allowed abusers to escalate their control and brutality.

Take, for instance, the case of "Anna," one of Dr. Ford's patients, who found herself trapped in a controlling relationship. Confined to her bedroom due to her symptoms, Anna's husband seized her iPad, a critical link to her support system, cutting her off from her son and anyone else. Similarly, another patient had her walking aid removed by her partner, heightening her already significant challenges.

Dr. Ford recalls a distressing case of a young mother with active MS who vanished during the lockdown while awaiting essential treatment. After months of searching, an MS nurse found her in a women’s shelter, having fled a violent partner, showcasing the dire consequences of isolation on vulnerable individuals.

The term "intimate terrorism" aptly describes the ordeal faced by many MS patients. Ford, along with fellow neurologists Dr. Nikos Evangelou and Dr. Klaus Schmierer, discussed their deepening concern over the multiple dimensions of abuse experienced by their patients. Reports indicated that abusers were not only physically and emotionally tormenting their victims but were also manipulating health needs, such as removing batteries from wheelchairs or withholding medication. The psychological torment was equally devastating, as many abusers would belittle their victims, saying hurtful things like, “you’re useless,” further exacerbating their struggles with MS.

A Survivor's Voice

An anonymous patient's harrowing account sheds light on this often-hidden epidemic. Despite having a master's degree and a successful career, she fell prey to domestic abuse after marrying Jeff (a pseudonym). Following her MS diagnosis, his controlling behavior intensified, leading to extreme isolation and emotional manipulation, thrusting her into a state of constant fear and vulnerability. After enduring escalating emotional abuse, she finally found the courage to escape, thanks in part to the support from her healthcare team.

Dr. Ford and her colleagues recognized a significant gap in existing research on the intersection of MS and domestic abuse. Shockingly, many people, including some healthcare professionals, incorrectly assume that disability acts as a protective shield against violence. Data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics revealed that disabled women are at a higher risk of domestic abuse compared to their able-bodied counterparts, illustrating a distressing reality that needs urgent attention.

Why This Happens

The reasons behind the alarming prevalence of abuse against disabled individuals include their increased dependency on caregivers, which often creates a power imbalance. Abusers can exacerbate isolation through restrictive control of social interactions and medical appointments, stifling the opportunity for victims to disclose their situations. Moreover, women, who make up a significant percentage of the MS population, are disproportionately affected by domestic violence.

To address this pressing issue, Dr. Ford, Dr. Evangelou, and journalist Rachel Horne initiated the MS Domestic Violence and Abuse Research Initiative at the University of Leeds. Their goal is twofold: to determine the prevalence of DVA among MS patients and to create a practical toolkit for healthcare professionals to better recognize and support those affected.

The Road Ahead

Progress is being made. PhD candidates are actively conducting research, reaching out to survivors, and seeking to understand the perspectives of healthcare providers. Awareness around this issue is growing, exemplified by the participation of MS researchers in international discussions, conferences, and seminars focused on DVA.

The UK charity MS Trust is set to host a seminar, aiming to shed light on this critical intersection of health and abuse. Moreover, forthcoming presentations and studies will highlight both the experiences of survivors and the necessary steps healthcare professionals must take to provide adequate support.

Domestic abuse represents a grave challenge that causes enduring harm, both physically and mentally, particularly for those living with MS. By amplifying these voices and addressing the staggering realities, we can pave the way for improved healthcare practices and support systems that prioritize the safety and well-being of all MS patients.

Together, we can combat domestic abuse and work towards a future where no one has to suffer in silence due to their health condition.