Personal safety

People who live in unsafe circumstances (eg who are homeless, who experience domestic violence, abuse or neglect) find it difficult to engage in social connection or any other management strategies for chronic pain.

An important consideration for healthcare is to undertake any mandatory reporting requirements (eg suicide risk, child or elder abuse), and urgently connect the person with medical, legal and social services to re-establish personal safety. Stay involved in their care to ensure this is achieved. Introduce other management strategies when safety permits.