Helping the vulnerable or condoning control within the family: where is nursing?

The World Health Organization urges nurses to heed the health needs of the vulnerable groups 'to permit all citizens to lead socially and economically productive lives'. The characteristics of vulnerable adults and children are linked to relationship problems (Browne et al. 1988) within the family. Because of the diverse nature of families, it is not surprising that there is some ambiguity and complexity to the concept of vulnerability. This paper explores vulnerability within families through the explanations for domestic violence and child abuse; and concludes with the implications for nursing practice.