Domestic violence: an education programme for hospital staff

An assistant director of nursing in an acute hospital describes how she identified a need for staff education about domestic violence and set up an awareness programme. Nominated nurses from the clinical areas most affected--Accident & Emergency, maternity, gynaecology and paediatrics--attended and disseminated information to colleagues. The content of the course is described. Evaluation showed that participants' knowledge base increased by an estimated 25%. Junior medical staff now receive one hour's education in domestic violence during their A&E rotation. Links were forged with community agencies specialising in domestic violence, resulting in a more effective referral system.