Nurses in Struggle against Domestic Violence

31 July 2007

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation takes a zero tolerance stance on all violence and supports the proposal to use nurses to help identify and eliminate domestic abuse.

“A system of enquiry by any nurse making a primary assessment of a patient, such as that in use at National Women’s Hospital, is an appropriate means to identify victims of domestic violence who might not normally come to light,” says CEO Geoff Annals.

“What we are talking about is not a simple intervention, but one that requires appropriate training and facilities for safe and effective dialogue,” says Geoff Annals. “Victims of domestic violence must feel safe and be able to speak up without repercussion, knowing that the nurse they confide in has the proper tools and resources at their disposal to ensure the information is properly followed up.”

NZNO believes that proper training, professional development and expertise must be available to nurses charged with this sensitive duty.

“It is absolutely right that nurses be part of the solution. They are responsible for caring for our communities and this is a natural extension of that work. What is important is that they are given the tools to do that job well,” says Geoff Annals.

“Women and children figure overwhelmingly as the victims of domestic violence, and will often come into contact with primary health and emergency department nurses, so this approach does seem the right thing to do,” says Geoff Annals.

“Domestic Violence is intolerable and this should be seen as one small component of New Zealand’s determination to eliminate it from our society.”

ENDS