Nurses' attitudes toward survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence

Domestic violence is of special concern to nurses, as they are often the first health care professionals to interact with battered women. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe nurses' attitudes toward the survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence. A holistic ecological health promotion framework guided this qualitative investigation. Thirteen participants expert in the care of abused women were interviewed using semistructured questions to describe nurses' attitudes toward survivors and perpetrators. Significant statements were identified, clustered, and placed into categories of response. Findings included identification of general themes and specific categories related to attitudes nurses have about battered women and those who abuse and injure them. The significance of this research underscores the importance of nurses' attitudes as influencing factors in their interactions with women and families involved in domestic violence. Application of a health promotion framework encourages a holistic perspective of care for this vulnerable population.