Midwifery care for victims of domestic violence that encourages recovery during the perinatal period

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study is to clarify the elements of midwifery care to encourage the recovery of domestic violence victims during their perinatal and child rearing period from the perspectives of both victims and nurses.
Method
The study used both qualitative and descriptive research designs. Those who participated in the study were: (1) 21 victims of domestic violence who had been suffering from their partners' violence even before pregnancy and had seen obstetricians during pregnancy, and (2) 10 nurses who victims in the first group credited with recognizing the abuse and helping them with their emotions and outlook. We asked those victims of domestic violence about the moment they were able to realize that their recognition toward suffering from DV had changed through their communication and involvement with the nurses while they were visiting medical institutions. We asked the nurses how they tried to assist domestic violence victims based on interview results of those victims. Interviews were conducted in a semi-structured manner with the reference of an interview guide. After conducting the interviews, the researchers conducted a qualitative analysis of the data.
Result
Nursing interaction that led to positive changes in IPC recognition were classified into three categories; Interaction that created a sense of reassurance and safety for these women and children, Interaction that helped women regain a sense of themselves, Interaction that stimulated maternal self awareness. The core category emerged as "building relationships" with other people. In the first category, nurses "conducted IPV assessment and provided information while creating a relationship in which the women felt safe". They felt the nurses understood them and were safe to talk to. In the second category, nurses "encouraged women to be more aware of their own existence" and accept themselves as they are. The women then felt accepted and not alone. In category three, nurses "made women recognize their own identity as bearers of life'. The women then recognized their role as a protector and nurturer of their child, which led them to leave the home for the child's sake. The nurses also gave them the strength to follow through with their decision.
Conclusion
It can be considered that those victims of domestic violence, who were suffering from violence by their trusted partners and isolated, perceived their existence that is valued by others on the way of "forming ties in relationship", experienced an opportunity to believe others and recovered trust in others and headed for their own recovery. With those findings, it was indicated that the above described care is an important element of midwifery care encouraging victims of domestic violence to recover.