Abuse is a healthcare issue.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Domestic abuse is a significant public health issue, affecting one in four women in the UK.
• Survivors of domestic abuse frequently interact with health services, presenting opportunities for intervention.
• Nurses are well-positioned to identify and support individuals experiencing domestic abuse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current knowledge and training needs of nurses regarding domestic abuse.
• To explore barriers and facilitators to nurses providing support to domestic abuse survivors.
• To inform the development of targeted educational interventions for nurses.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to a sample of UK nurses.
• Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
• The study focused on nurses' confidence, knowledge, and perceived training gaps.

Main Results:

• A significant proportion of nurses reported limited knowledge and confidence in addressing domestic abuse.
• Many nurses expressed a desire for further training and resources.
• Common barriers included time constraints and lack of clear protocols.

Conclusions:

• Nurses require enhanced education and training to effectively support domestic abuse survivors.
• Integrating domestic abuse education into nursing curricula and professional development is essential.
• Improved support systems and protocols can empower nurses to play a more effective role.