Healthcare professionals’ interventions for victims of intimate partner violence: A cross-sectional analytical study in emergency departments

Introduction and Aims: There are serious physical, psychological, and social repercussions associated with intimate partner violence (IPV), which is a serious public health concern. Since emergency departments (EDs) are frequently the initial point of contact for victims of IPV, medical personnel play a crucial role in recognizing and treating these instances. Despite legislative efforts to address IPV in Tunisia, effective intervention is hampered by cultural stigmas and healthcare personnel’s ignorance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate IPV-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices in urban Tunisian EDs and identify barriers to effective intervention. Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical study was carried out among healthcare professionals employed in the EDs of three public tertiary-care large Tunisian hospitals (January–March 2023). The study included 128 participants, comprising 40% physicians, 50% nurses, and 10% other healthcare professionals. The Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS) French version, a validated instrument for evaluating IPV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, was used to gather data. Data were analyzed descriptively and via logistic regression. Ethical approval was obtained. Results: Of the 128 participants, 70% said they were confident in their ability to identify IPV, but 40% said they were ready to handle situations. Actual knowledge ratings averaged 55%, with significant weaknesses in legal concerns, screening tools, and referral systems. Routine IPV screening was reported by 30% of participants. Cultural sensitivity (50%), lack of training (65%), and fear of upsetting patients (45%) were the main obstacles. Analytical results showed that individuals with previous training scored considerably higher on knowledge measures (p < 0.001), and doctors were more likely than nurses to have confidence in identifying IPV (OR = 2.1; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Although they encounter major obstacles in terms of knowledge, readiness, and institutional support, healthcare personnel in some Tunisian EDs show a willingness to handle IPV. To enhance IPV management in emergencies, specialized training programs, standardized procedures, and interdisciplinary cooperation are desperately needed.