Abuse Obscured: An Ethnographic Account of Emergency Nursing in Relation to Violence Against Women

Abstract

Violence against women is a significant health issue in Canada and around the globe, yet the health-care response has been inadequate. While various reasons for this inadequacy have been suggested, little systematic research has been undertaken. This ethnographic study of 2 hospital emergency units was conducted to describe nursing practice in relation to violence against women. Participant observation and interviews with 25 healthcare providers and 5 patients in the 2 units were complemented by interviews with 5 nurses from other emergency units. The findings illustrate that abuse is obscured and practice shaped by stereotypical thinking and a focus on physical problems and rapid patient processing. Perceptions of patient deservedness influenced care that ranged from "doing nothing" to actively offering the patient choices. This description provides a basis for designing meaningful education for nurses and systemic changes that will foster more effective practice.