Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) disclosure by injured patients presenting to a trauma hospital: A qualitative study of survivors’ experiences in Alberta, Canada

Background Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a leading cause of severe injury in Canada. Although survivors frequently visit trauma hospitals, safe disclosure opportunities are often missed, and evidence remains limited on how these settings can effectively support identification and response. This qualitative study explored survivors’ experiences disclosing IPV to health care providers (HCPs) following a severe injury. Methods Using a qualitative descriptive design, we conducted one -hour semi-structured interviews with a demographically diverse sample of survivors who disclosed IPV-related injuries at a trauma hospital or emergency department in Alberta, Canada. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive, codebook-based thematic analysis within a qualitative descriptive approach. Results Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Structural Constraints and Institutional Friction, highlighting privacy deficits, safety concerns, and institutional racism, (2) Empowering Catalysts and Protective Spaces, emphasizing how empathetic, non-judgmental HCP attitudes fostered trust, and emotional safety; and (3) The Spectrum of Post Disclosure Realities, spanning clinical dismissal to compassionate, guided navigation support. Participants emphasized the critical need for HCP training, culturally safe environments, and dedicated privacy to support disclosure. Conclusions Our research highlights critical survivor needs for empathetic healthcare responses, including comprehensive HCP involvement, HCPs’ training, resources, time and private disclosure spaces. We amplify patient voices to advocate for restructuring clinical encounters that build trust between patients and HCPs.