An exploration of women's attitudes towards routine screening for domestic violence in a healthcare setting

Abstract

South Africa has the highest statistics for violence against women in the world. The focus of this study was on domestic violence, or violence against women by their intimate partners. The World Health Organisation has declared domestic violence a public health emergency. Routine screening would improve the capacity of the health care sector to address domestic violence, through direct assistance or referral. The purpose of this research was to explore women's attitudes towards routine screening for domestic violence by health professionals, such as general practitioners and nurses, in a health-care setting. ' The main objective was to explore women's views on the acceptability and relevance of routine enquiry, for domestic violence. A secondary aim was to explore women's perceptions around disclosure of personal information to health professionals.