Methods: Two nurses critically reflected on the IPV screening literature and their experiences in education, practice, research and policy development in the western and mid-Atlantic United States as well as in New Zealand. They have provided education to nurses about how to screen safely; screened women in acute and community health settings; conducted research studies involving screening women in the healthcare setting; and, worked collaboratively with healthcare systems to develop institutional responses to IPV.

Findings: Several themes emerged in reflecting on the state of implementing IPV screening: (1) reconciling the tension between randomised clinical trials and women’s stories; (2) acknowledging nurses as victims; (3) reversing years of silence; (4) broadening the issue from partner violence to trauma; (5) conceding that protocols cannot be risk free; (6) placing screening within nurses’ practice model; (7) doing more for children; (8) challenging punishment models; (9) increasing prevention activities; and (10) focusing on communities.

Implications: Research is needed to examine IPV screening and interventions using mixed-methods, longitudinal, well-controlled studies that are representative of racial and ethnic minorities and gay and lesbians populations. However, even with research evidence of a positive screening effect, societal, structural and professional issues will continue to play a dominant role in determining nurses’ engagement in reducing intimate partner violence.

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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004