Providing Support to IPV Victims in the Emergency Department

The authors compare perspectives of intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors and emergency department (ED) nurses on types of social support IPV victims need at different stages of readiness to disclose and leave a relationship. Qualitative interviews (16 IPV survivors, 10 ED nurses) center on women's responses to vignettes that illustrate different stages of readiness. Survivors mention fear as a barrier for action, whereas nurses are more likely to say that the woman is in denial. Survivors emphasize emotional support and respect, whereas nurses emphasize informational and instrumental support. IPV victims desire appropriate, respectful responses by nurses, suitable to their stage of readiness. Nurses need more insight into women's decisions to disclose and leave a relationship and skills to provide emotional support.