Nursing student's perceptions and understanding of intimate partner violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant health issue in the Australian population and nurses have a role in assessment, intervention and support of families. World Health Organization Statistics indicate that as many as 61% of women, under the age of 50 have been physically abused by their partners. As nurses are in a unique position to identify, assist and support women living with IPV a greater understanding of student nurse's knowledge and attitudes may assist undergraduate programs to ensure better preparation of nurses for this role. A nurse's readiness to manage IPV may be influenced by their knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors, largely related to their self-efficacy in identifying these women (i.e. via screening procedures) and providing effective interventions. Students from all levels of the undergraduate program of an Australian regional university were invited to participate in focus groups and a subsequent survey that explored their perceptions, attitudes and knowledge of IPV. The results showed students had limited and stereotypical beliefs regarding what constitutes IPV and who perpetrates it. They indicated that they were under prepared to deal with IPV situations in clinical practice but did identify communication as a core skill required. Nursing students may not understand the significance of the issues of IPV nor fully understand the social, economic and health impacts at an individual and societal level. This may result in further under detection of the problem. The results of this study indicate a number of important implications for undergraduate nursing education curricula.