[Education in domestic violence]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nursing Education
• Sociology

Context:

• Violence against women is a critical public health issue.
• Nurses frequently encounter domestic violence situations.
• Existing nursing curricula may lack comprehensive training on the social dimensions of violence against women.

Purpose:

• To assess the impact of a mandatory baccalaureate-level course on the social aspects of violence against women.
• To evaluate changes in student nurses' perceptions and knowledge regarding domestic violence.
• To determine the effectiveness of specific training in developing nurses' intervention competencies.

Summary:

• A mandatory course at Université du Québec à Rimouski, incorporating lectures, simulations, and role-playing, was implemented to educate nursing students on the social aspects of violence against women.
• An exploratory study revealed that prior to the course, students held individualistic views of domestic violence, often accepting societal prejudices.
• Post-course, students demonstrated improved integration of knowledge regarding the social realities of domestic violence, indicating a shift in perception.

Impact:

• Specific training can effectively modify misconceptions about domestic violence among healthcare professionals.
• Enhanced understanding of social aspects empowers nurses with better competencies to address domestic violence.
• This educational approach contributes to improved patient care and societal awareness regarding gender-based violence.