Position Statement: Family Violence

ISSUE

Family violence is recognized as a widespread community, cultural and societal health problem that is punishable by law. Family violence involves child, spouse / significant other, elder abuse, or anyone in a dependant relationship, and physical aggression between siblings or against parents and/or any combination, or anyone in a dependent relationship.  It also involves financial exploitation and deprivation of the frail or vulnerable. It includes verbal, physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, financial, and sexual abuse, and neglect.

NENA POSITION

NENA believes that the Emergency Nurse has the responsibility to provide a safe environment free of abuse or neglect for all individuals receiving or requiring care.

NENA supports the concept of health promotion and prevention and endorses programs that have these concepts as their mandate.

NENA supports awareness of community and provincial resources available to patients requiring protection upon discharge.

NENA believes that Emergency Nurses have the responsibility to identify situations involving family violence and initiate appropriate referrals

NENA believes the Emergency Nurse must take an active role in the intervention, education, prevention, and research in family violence to promote healthy family relationships.

NENA supports the use of universal screening for family violence.

RATIONALE

The recognition of the "Cycle of Violence" with the inherent resistance to change may preclude the Emergency Nurse from doing more than providing immediate physical care, emotional support, and appropriate referral. Increased public awareness and education about family violence will help to ensure that individuals affected can receive appropriate treatment and support.

Reference

Emergency Nurses Association. (2006).  Position Statement:  Intimate partner and family violence, maltreatment, and neglect.

Family Violence Initiative, Department of Justice 2009-10-02.

Kothari, C., Rhodes, K.V. (2006). Missed opportunities: emergency department visits by police-identified victims of intimate partner violence. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 47(2): 190-199.

Plat-Jones, J. (2006). Domestic violence: the role of health professionals. Nursing Standard. 21(14-15-16): 44-48.

Samuelson, S et al. (2005). (2005) Screening for domestic violence: recommendations based on a practice survey. Professional Psychology - Research & Practice. 36(3): 276-282.

Yonaka, L. et al. (2007) Barriers to screening for domestic violence in the emergency department. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing. 38(1): 37-45.

Zink, T. et al. (2007).  Accuracy of five domestic violence screening questions with nongraphic language. Clinical Pediatrics. 46(2): 127-134.