Carer harm in the context of families affected by serious mental illness

Family carers of those with serious mental illness play a vital role in fostering hope and connection but may face “carer harm,” including physical, psychological, or sexual abuse, often unintentional and multifaceted. These harms pose ethical and practical challenges, impacting carers’ ability to seek support. In severe cases, harm may escalate to violence, especially with mental illness or substance abuse.

This study, involving carer co-researchers, explores carer harm, needed support, and service responses. It aims to inform future research, improving understanding and outcomes for families and social care practice.

• Aims

  • To investigate if, and in what ways, carer harm is evident in circumstances where a person with serious mental ill health has committed a homicide or other serious violence
  • To develop understanding of ‘carer harm’ (for example a model or theory) that considers intersectional issues (relating to social identities and inequalities)
  • To better understand how carers affected by carer harm seek help from peers (online) and what type of support they need and value

   

• Methods

  Phase 1: Analysis of Independent Investigation Review (IIR) national dataset

  Phase 2: Analysis of carers’ online support-seeking by reviewing carers’ online messaging fora.

  Phase 3: Integration of phases 1 and 2

  The data and emerging analysis developed in Phases 1 and 2 will be integrated, underpinned by the principles of the Silences Framework.

  A study advisory group will bring together people with personal, professional and/or academic experience or knowledge. The group will review design, ethical and practical elements of the study, at each key study phase.

• Planned outputs

  1. The synthesised findings will be used to inform the development of a theoretical or conceptual model of carer harm in the context of mental health illness. They will also inform recommendations for peer support, practice and research. 
  2. A stakeholder event will discuss the synthesised findings and explore pathways to impact and dissemination.