Awareness and attitudes towards violence and abuse among emergency nurses

Purpose This study identifies degree of awareness and legal knowledge about overall abuse and violence, and investigates attitudes towards domestic violence in emergency nurses. Methods The data collection period was between August and December 2012 for 131 nurses who worked in the emergency center of five hospitals in South Korea. This study surveyed emergency nurses about the recognition of abuse and violence, the legal knowledge of abuse and violence, and the attitudes towards domestic violence. Results This study showed that approximately 60.0% of participants experienced incidents of suspected abuse or violence, but the reporting rates were low. Of all the participants, 70.2% knew that they must report the discovery of abuse or violent incidents, but 45.0% did not know that if someone who had duty to report but did not report that he/she had a legal responsibility. Most emergency nurses agreed that "even if the domestic violence is severe it should not be suggested to victims that they run away, leaving children at home", and "perpetrators are patients who need treatment." Conclusions Appropriate awareness about abuse and violence, and systematic education are required for emergency nurses so that they can provide appropriate interventions.