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Abstract
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INTRODUCTION: Domestic violence is particularly prevalent within mental health client groups, though screening for domestic violence within mental health services is often overlooked.
AIM: To investigate the experiences and opinions of domestic violence screening by mental health clinicians in a publicly funded hospital and health service.
METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve clinicians working in publicly funded mental health services in Queensland, Australia. Transcripts were thematically analysed.
RESULTS: Four main themes emerged from the data: staff training and experience; prioritising domestic violence screening; attitudes to domestic violence; and victim support. Participants discussed a lack of training for, or expectations of, domestic violence screening in mental health services. They also highlighted a lack of resources enabling them to appropriately respond when domestic violence was identified.
DISCUSSION: Education, attitudes, and resources relating to domestic violence are major factors that should be addressed for the successful screening and treatment of clients in mental health. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This paper informs services of the gaps in knowledge and care around domestic violence and mental health. A less medicalised approach to the treatment of mental health should be adopted, and domestic violence training introduced for all health care practitioners, to improve client outcomes.
Language: en |