Domestic Violence Screening and Treatment in the Workplace

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to survey occupational health nurses about their perceived ability to screen for and treat domestic violence in the workplace. Occupational health nurses providing direct care or case management anonymously responded to the mailed Occupational Health Nurses' Survey on Screening for Domestic Violence in the Workplace. Findings indicate that occupational health nurses consider domestic violence screening and treatment to be components of their nursing role, but do not believe they have adequate training to competently care for workers who have experienced domestic violence. The occupational health nurses also did not believe policies existed in their workplace to assist them in treating these workers. Findings from this study can be used as the foundation for domestic violence education, policy development, and intervention research.