Knowledge and attitudes of emergency healthcare professionals toward domestic violence against women during the COVID-19 lockdown

Domestic violence (DV) is a global public health and social issue with serious physical and psychological consequences. The incidence of DV rose significantly during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Healthcare professionals (HCPs), especially in emergency departments, are often the first point of contact for victims and play a crucial role in identification and intervention. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of HCPs in emergency departments toward DV against Jordanian women during the COVID-19 lockdown. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 453 HCPs. The majority of HCPs demonstrated good knowledge of DV (79.7 percent) and a generally positive attitude toward assisting victims (77 percent). Most HCPs (90.1 percent) considered DV a significant healthcare issue. Knowledge levels differed significantly across forms of violence, with higher awareness of psychological (F = 3.37, p < .05), physical (F = 2.53, p < .05), and sexual abuse (F = 6.10, p < .001), but not deprivation or neglect (F = 1.83, p > .05). While HCPs in Jordanian emergency departments generally show good knowledge and attitudes toward DV, gaps remain in recognizing nonphysical forms of abuse. Tailored training programs and structured protocols are needed to enhance identification, support, and referral practices in both routine and crisis contexts, such as pandemics.