Abstract:
Background
The purpose of this study was
to measure the prevalence of intimate partner and family violence
amongst a population of Australian female nurses, doctors and allied
health professionals.
Methods
We conducted a descriptive,
cross-sectional survey in a large Australian tertiary maternity hospital
with 471 participating female health professionals (45.0% response
rate). The primary outcome measures were 12 month and lifetime
prevalence of intimate partner violence (Composite Abuse Scale) and
family violence.
Results
In the last 12 months, one in
ten (43, 11.5%) participants reported intimate partner violence: 4.2%
(16) combined physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse; 6.7% (25)
emotional abuse and/or harassment; 5.1% (22) were afraid of their
partner; and 1.7% (7) had been raped by their partner. Since the age of
sixteen, one third (125, 29.7%) of participants reported intimate
partner violence: 18.3% (77) had experienced combined physical,
emotional and/or sexual abuse; 8.1% (34) emotional abuse and/or
harassment; 25.6% (111) had been afraid of their partner; and 12.1% (51)
had been raped by their partner. Overall, 45.2% (212) of participants
reported violence by a partner and/or family member during their
lifetime, with 12.8% (60) reporting both.
Conclusion
Intimate partner and family
violence may be common traumas in the lives of female health
professionals, and this should be considered in health workplace
policies and protocols, as health professionals are increasingly urged
to work with patients who have experienced intimate partner and family
violence. Implications include the need for workplace manager training,
special leave provision, counselling services and other resources for
staff.
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Researchers: McLindon, E., Humphreys, C. & Hegarty, K.
Year: 2018