‘IN THEIR SHOES’ – Domestic Abuse Simulation

Domestic Abuse Simulation: ‘In Their Shoes’ – A New Learning Opportunity at St George’s Hospital

On Monday 2nd June 2025, the GAPS Simulation Centre piloted “In Their Shoes” – St George’s first-ever domestic abuse simulation, offering an immersive, practical learning experience to support safer, trauma-informed care.

Generously funded by St George’s Charity, the session brought together a multidisciplinary group from A+E, Paediatrics, Mental Health, Medical Wards, Discharge lounge, the Domestic Abuse and Staff Wellbeing teams, as well as policymakers and representatives from charities including Hourglass – preventing domestic abuse in older people.

Participants engaged in a realistic simulation of a hospital-based disclosure of domestic abuse, followed by a facilitated debrief and cross-sector discussion. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

📊 94% rated the session Excellent or Good

📊 100% reported they were more likely to apply safeguarding and trauma-informed principles in future practice

“Perfectly engineered… created an inclusive space with diverse voices.”

“Informative and thought-provoking – relevant to clinical and non-clinical work.”

Future sessions are planned, with aims to include more junior doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and safeguarding leads to support a whole-hospital response to domestic abuse.

👉 Sign up here: Eventbrite Link

For further support please contact:

📩 Questions? Contact: zartasht.carmichael@stgeorges.nhs.uk