What makes it difficult for mental health clinicians to ask patients about domestic violence and respond when it is disclosed?

Details

Mental health clients experience higher estimated rates of domestic violence, yet mental health services are less likely to screen for it, and screening is often overlooked. This qualitative study investigated clinicians’ experiences and opinions of domestic violence screening in a publicly funded hospital and health service, exploring the perspectives of practitioners in inpatient and community teams.

Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 clinicians working in publicly funded mental health services in Queensland, Australia. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed.

Four main themes emerged: staff training and experience; prioritizing domestic violence screening; attitudes to domestic violence; and victim support. Participants described a lack of training for, or expectations of, domestic violence screening in mental health services. They also described gaps in knowledge about domestic violence and support mechanisms for victims when clients disclosed violence. A lack of resources made it difficult to respond appropriately when domestic violence was identified. The study highlighted the particular difficulties and barriers clinicians experienced in screening while also caring for clients undergoing a mental health crisis.

The authors identified education, attitudes and resources relating to domestic violence as major factors to address for successful screening and treatment in mental health services. The study points to gaps in knowledge and care around domestic violence and mental health, and identifies staff training and education as areas for improvement. To improve client outcomes, the authors recommend a less medicalized approach to mental health treatment and domestic violence training for all healthcare practitioners.