Perceptions of power(lessness) of healthcare workers in cases of intimate partner violence

Sernel, Jera (author), Repič, Jaka (mentor), Davis-Sulikowski, Ulrike (comentor)

This Master’s thesis sheds light on healthcare professionals' perceptions of intimate partner violence cases. It addresses how healthcare personnel recognise and deal with signs of physical abuse in female patients, their official duty in such cases, and why there are discrepancies between theory and practice. The thesis assumes that healthcare professionals' behaviour in dealing with cases of intimate partner violence is decisively influenced by their perceptions of power or powerlessness, which arise from the systemic (de)regulation of this field. It shows that information, awareness-raising, and education are crucial in empowering healthcare professionals and victims of violence. They must go hand in hand with awareness-raising and social sensitisation in general, as the social context and public opinion are essential in the fight against intimate partner violence. The public healthcare system in Slovenia is an important element of the welfare state. Systemic responses play a crucial role in preventing and responding to violence and are primarily the responsibility of the state and its institutions, including the healthcare system. The research part of the thesis shows that healthcare facilities can act as entry points into the system of protection and support for victims of violence. Furthermore, it demonstrates how systemic arrangements affect the recognition of and responses to intimate partner violence, with a focus on professional groups of nurses, midwives, and paramedics.

• Language: English
• Keywords: intimate partner violence, healthcare system, healthcare workers, domestic violence, gender-based violence, medical anthropology
• Work type: Master's thesis/paper
• Organization: FF - Faculty of Arts
• Year: 2023
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-150226
• Publication date in RUL: 15.09.2023

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Title: Percepcije (ne)moči zdravstvenih delavcev v primerih intimnopartnerskega nasilja

Abstract

Magistrsko delo poskuša osvetliti percepcije zdravstvenih delavcev v primerih intimnopartnerskega nasilja. Ukvarja se z vprašanji, kako zdravstveno osebje prepoznava in obravnava znake fizičnega nasilja pri ženskih pacientkah, kakšna je njihova uradna dolžnost v takih primerih in zakaj pri tem prihaja do razlik med teorijo in prakso. Delo predpostavlja, da na ravnanje zdravstvenih delavcev pri soočanju s primeri intimnopartnerskega nasilja odločilno vplivajo njihove percepcije moči ali nemoči, ki izhajajo iz sistemske (ne)urejenosti tega področja. Pokaže, da so pri opolnomočenju zdravstvenega osebja in žrtev nasilja ključnega pomena informiranje, ozaveščanje in izobraževanje. Potekati morajo hkrati z ozaveščanjem in senzibilizacijo celotne družbe, saj sta družbeni kontekst in javno mnenje ključnega pomena v boju proti intimnopartnerskemu nasilju. Sistem javnega zdravstva v Sloveniji je pomemben element socialne države. Pri preprečevanju in odzivanju na nasilje so ključni sistemski odzivi, ki so v veliki meri v pristojnosti države in njenih institucij, med katere spada tudi zdravstvo. Raziskovalni del naloge pokaže, da lahko zdravstvene ustanove delujejo kot vstopne točke v sistem zaščite in podpore za žrtve nasilja. Poleg tega predstavi, kako sistemska ureditev vpliva na prepoznavo in odzivanje na intimnopartnersko nasilje s poudarkom na poklicnih skupinah kot so medicinske sestre, babice in reševalci.

• Keywords: intimnopartnersko nasilje, zdravstveni sistem, zdravstveni delavci, nasilje v družini, nasilje na podlagi spola, medicinska antropologija