An examination of the factors that inform Health Visitors’ effective identification and support of women experiencing domestic violence and abuse

This study sets out to identify and analyse the factors that might influence Health Visitors’ ability to ask about domestic abuse during a home visit and the impact this might have on the support given to women who disclose abuse or are in situations where domestic abuse is identified. The study employed a mixed method approach to examine how Health Visitors’ understood their role based on past experiences. The study focused on a large Community NHS Trust in England and was carried out in three phases: i. electronic surveys completed by 27 Health Visitors; ii. semi-structured interviews held with 10 Health Visitors; and iii. an additional 11 semi-structure interviews with Health Visitors. Interview data were collated and thematically analysed using a data management tool- MAX QDA. Data from the survey and interviews were merged following analysis to present findings. Findings from this study indicated that Health Visitors had developed a range of coping strategies that enabled them to deal with the challenges that they encountered at work. The importance of being able to communicate concerns about clients within a team environment was invaluable. However, new work practices were identified as inhibiting client contact, contact with team members, and the Health Visitors’ ability to carry out their role. Further, Health Visitors highlighted a lack of confidence in asking male clients and those in same-sex relationships about domestic abuse as well as the cultural competence needed to support women of Black and Asian minority ethnic groups. The findings also showed that the confidentiality and the reliability of interpreter translations appeared to create a barrier for Health Visitors. The recommendations set out proposals for the education and training of both undergraduate and experienced Health Visitors.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

edd

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Greenwich

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Elliott, Helen

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Kinchington, Francia
• Evans, David Thomas

• RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine

Language dc:language

en