Citation

McLindon E, Humphreys C, Hegarty K. J. Gender Based Viol. 2021; 5(2): 231-247.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Centre for Gender and Violence Research, University of Bristol, Publisher Policy Press)

DOI

10.1332/239868020X15924187662218

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Health professionals play a critical role in responding to the health consequences of domestic and family violence (DFV). However, health professional women themselves experience high rates of DFV and there is scant evidence underpinning hospital workplace responses. The aim of this
Australian research was to explore the views of survivor health professional women and their managers about the role of the hospital workplace in responding to survivor staff. A 'combined methodological approach' encompassed open-ended survey questions to survivor health professionals
about workplace experiences and support needs. Managers participated in an interview about the employment response. Thematic analysis of survivor staff (n=93) and manager (n=18) data identified three themes: (a) Understand that DFV affects staff, (b) Support for staff
is essential and (c) Challenges of establishing a safe workplace. Survivors wanted understanding about how trauma had affected them, and managers recognised that staff were exposed to potentially triggering patient narratives of abuse. Both groups believed that formal resources
and support were essential, including managers trained to respond sensitively to disclosures of DFV. However, challenges to creating an environment where staff felt emotionally and physically safe were identified. A trauma and violence informed hospital response could promote recovery for
survivor staff and patients.

Language: en

Keywords

domestic violence; health professionals; hospitals; intimate partner violence; managers