Caring for children and adolescents victims of domestic violence: A qualitative study

To explore nurses' perceptions on caring for children and adolescents who are victims of domestic violence, medical treatment of a victim of domestic violence and social aspects of recognizing this problem.

Nurses are often first to recognize family violence; thus, they must have appropriate knowledge, skills and experience. Caring for child victims of domestic violence can be very stressful and emotional and nurses must have support when caring for them.

A qualitative study was conducted between June and August 2020. Interviews were conducted with paediatric nurses in a university hospital in Slovenia. Interviews were transcribed, coded and synthesized.

We identified four main categories: violence against children; nurses' perception of caring for a child victim of domestic violence; medical treatment of a child who is a victim of domestic violence; the social aspect of recognizing violence against a child.

Domestic violence is present regardless of country, language and nationality. Early interventions should be directed towards recognition of the signs of domestic violence and care for victims of violence and caregivers.

It is the responsibility of healthcare systems, hospital managers and nurses themselves to provide nursing care for children and adolescent victims of domestic violence based on the newest and best evidence.