Nurse education and understanding related to domestic violence and abuse against women: an integrative review of the literature

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore previous literature related to nurses understanding of Intimate partner violence (IPV) or domestic violence and abuse (DVA) against women and to identify the gaps in nursing education so as to use the findings as a baseline to inform potential intervention strategies, curriculum development and outline implications for future nursing practice.

Design

An Integrative review of literature.

Methods

Studies were extracted through a search of the electronic databases, such as Science direct, EBSCO host and PubMed, to identify relevant evidences published between January 2000–January 2017. “Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool” was used to review primary research studies.

Results

Seventeen empirical studies were analysed. Findings supported four themes including: educational and training experiences, identification of IPV/DVA, curriculum and communication skills of nurses. Continued efforts are further needed to highlight and address IPV/DVA in nursing education and training, to scale up nursing understanding to respond and identify IPV/DVA appropriately in a clinical environment.