Responding to domestic violence in acute hospital settings
Intended for healthcare professionals
Art & Science    

Responding to domestic violence in acute hospital settings

Julie McGarry Associate professor and lead for safeguarding, School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham
Maggie Westbury Domestic abuse nurse specialist, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Selecia Kench Domestic abuse nurse specialist, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Bella Furse Safeguarding adults and consent matron, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Domestic violence is recognised as a significant global health and societal concern. It is associated with physical and emotional effects, and individuals may present to a range of healthcare providers. There has been a paucity of evidence regarding effective strategies for the identification and support of patients who have experienced domestic violence, particularly in acute healthcare environments, until recently. This article describes the development and implementation of a domestic abuse nurse specialist role within one acute hospital trust. The wider implications for staff education and training are also considered.

Nursing Standard. 28, 34, 47-50. doi: 10.7748/ns2014.04.28.34.47.e8423

Peer review

This article has been subject to double blind peer review

Received: 09 October 2013

Accepted: 08 January 2014

Published online: 23 April 2014

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