Determining the Levels of Recognition of the Symptoms of Violence Against Women by midwives

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the level of recognition of the signs of violence against women by midwives. Method: This descriptive study was conducted with a total of 213 midwives working in public institutions throughout Turkey. Data were collected online through the Midwife Identification Form and the Scale for Nurses and Midwives to Determine the Symptoms of Violence against Women (SNMDSVAW) Results: Midwives' total mean score SNMDSVAW is 19.94±2.96 (min=12, max=26), mean physical symptoms sub-dimension score is 8.12±1.53 (min=4, max=12), emotional symptoms sub-dimension mean score is 11.82±2.27 (min=6 , max=16). When education on the subject is received, the level of recognizing the signs of violence increases. In addition, almost half of the midwives who faced violence against women did not make any notification about the issue. Conclusion: Especially midwives working in primary health care institutions have the chance to communicate effectively with women in the follow-up of women aged 15-49 and pregnant women. It is recommended to provide regular training on the subject and even add it to the training curricula in order to increase the awareness of midwives and to report them without any hesitation when they encounter such a situation.