Factors Influencing Nurses' Responses to Abused Women

Abstract

This article is based on the findings from a study in which nurses from two different countries and a variety of clinical settings explained their approach to the nursing care of abused women and described their understanding of issues of abuse. These conclusions constitute one aspect of a larger study titled “Nurses' Social Construction of Self: Implications for Work With Abused Women” (Henderson, 1999). Following a description of the nurses' practice, the author discusses some of the important contextual factors that influence nurses' ability to act effectively in the care of abused women. Although the participants in this study were nurses, and therefore much of the information presented derives from their accounts, many of the issues raised might equally have implications for other community practitioners or healthcare professionals encountering abused women in the course of their practice. These implications are discussed.

Reconceptualising health and health care for women affected by domestic violence

“…Whilst this is important, it is only part of an initial response when women encounter the health system. It has not been conclusively shown to equate to more responsive services being deployed once violence has been detected (Davis & Harsh, 2001;Henderson, had had time to refl ect on their practice, nurses became clearer about how small 'ordinary' things could make a difference.…”

“…Nurses occupy a very different position within the health system to that of other healthcare providers (Henderson, 2001). However, it is diffi cult to outline the nursing role within larger healthcare responses to domestic violence.…”

“…Lack of knowledge and personal attitudes and values about domestic violence are important and may lead to failure to detect or acknowledge domestic violence, or perpetuate the belief that violence is not the fault of the perpetrator (Christofi des & Silo, 2005;Flinck, Paavilainen, & Astedt-Kurki, 2005;Hamberger & Phelan, 2006;Kim & Motsei, 2002;Roughton, 2000). Henderson (2001) reports nurses' attitudes and values can present internal and external barriers to caring for women that are sometimes destructive with regard to care. Ellis (1999) suggests this is due to large numbers of nurses having had personal experience with domestic violence.…”

Violência de gênero contra trabalhadoras de enfermagem em hospital geral de São Paulo (SP)

“…20,c The diffi culty health professionals manifest in dealing with these cases may be related to their own experiences with this type of violence. 10,18,22 Studies have indicated the occurrence of IPV among nursing professionals. Janssen et al 11 (1998) in a study involving 198 obstetric nurses working in a Canadian hospital, found that 26.9% reported having suffered psychological violence, 14.6% reported they had suffered physical violence and 8.1% sexual violence.…”

“…In addition, these experiences may have consequences in terms of the health of these professionals' health and may interfere with their work as caretakers as well. 10,18 Janssen et al 11 (1998) consider that the opportunity to be heard and to voice their lived experiences may represent an important strategy in the management of violence experienced by nursing professionals.…”