‘I never knew it was so prevalent’: Experiences and perceptions of student health visitors recognising and responding to domestic abuse in practice placement settings

Abstract

Background: Health visitors have a key role in supporting and protecting adults and children affected by domestic abuse. Aims: The study aimed to examine the experiences and perceptions of student health visitors recognising and responding to domestic abuse in practice placement settings. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five student health visitors in the United Kingdom. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Results: Four superordinate themes were identified: ‘part and parcel of health visiting practice’; ‘challenges in identifying domestic abuse’; ‘uncertainty and apprehension’; ‘strengthening knowledge and confidence’. All participants had engaged in practice activities related to domestic abuse within SCPHN placements, commonly expressing a sense of disbelief at the scale of the issue in practice. Difficulties and unease regarding identification and management of domestic abuse were reported. Access to support and opportunities to reflect and ‘talk things through’ were found to be important for students regarding this sphere of practice. Conclusions: The findings contribute to the body of knowledge about domestic abuse-related practice within nursing. Recommendations made may contribute to practice development and help inform future teaching and educational strategies within SCPHN programmes.