Browsing by Author "Celik, Halime (23466160200)"

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions and attitudes of health professionals toward violence against women in intimate relationships, and to discuss them as opportunities and barriers for improving health professionals' response. Methods: Six focus groups were conducted with 71 health professionals employed in the public primary health care centers in Belgrade (Serbia). The data were analyzed according to the direct approach of the qualitative content analysis. Results: Findings suggest that the majority of health professionals perceive IPV as an unjustifiable act. They showed an understanding for women; see their role as providing support to women and collaborating with other institutions. They are willing to help, but do not know how. However, some health professionals appeared to be judgmental in terms of what preceded violence, and would insist on extracting a woman's disclosure that violence had occurred. As barriers, they emphasized the lack of training and specific education on IPV, a weak support network, and overall social insecurity. Conclusion: There is a gap between health professionals' willingness to help and resources needed, along with prejudice and interrogative attitudes. Barriers appeared at individual, organizational and societal levels. Practice implications: Proper education and protocols are priorities in strengthening health professionals' response to IPV. © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Women who have experienced intimate partner violence use health care services more often than non-abused women, but it is unclear what they expect from physicians in relation to their intimate partner violence experience. In this study the authors explored whether women in Serbia expect physicians to help them after having experienced intimate partner violence, what kind of help the women expected, and if none, why none is expected. The authors of this study conducted structured interviews with 120 women who visited six primary healthcare centres. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed applying content analyses. The majority of women (81.7%) expected healthcare professionals to help them in the event of intimate partner violence, mainly through giving advice, information, contacting other institutions, services, and providing understanding and support. Fewer women expected help in the form of documenting violence and contacting police. Only a minority (8.3%) did not expect help, noting that intimate partner violence is beyond the scope of healthcare professionals' interest or competencies, and/or that violence was a private problem, while 10% were unsure about the role of physicians in the case of intimate partner violence. The majority of women in this study expected help with intimate partner violence. Physicians should be aware of these expectations and how to provide support to women experiencing intimate partner violence. © 2011 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.