In response to the recommendations received from the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee and the Chief Coroner, the College of Nursing of New Brunswick (CNNB) is providing registrants with information and resources to support nursing practice related to domestic and intimate partner violence (D/IVP), suicide risk associated with D/IVP, and gender-based violence. Domestic and intimate partner violence affects individuals across the lifespan that may present with complex physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs. Applying the principles of trauma- and violence-informed care is essential to promoting safety, trust, and dignity in all interactions with clients affected by violence.
The Standards for the Nurse Client Relationship outline nurses’ professional responsibilities that are directly relevant to this area of practice, including but not limited to:
1.3 actively includes the client as a partner in care;
1.7 demonstrates sensitivity and respect for the client’s choices, which originate from the client’s individual values and beliefs, including cultural and/or religious beliefs;
3.3 gives the client time, opportunity, and ability to explain themself, and listens to the client with the intent to understand them, without diminishing their feelings or without immediately giving advice; and
3.7 recognizes that all behaviour has meaning and seeks to understand the cause of a client’s comments, attitude, or behaviour.
To support registrants in meeting these professional expectations CNNB is sharing the following Canadian, evidence-informed resources:
iHEAL, a digital tool to support individuals experiencing D/IPV and the health-care providers who work with them. iHEAL helps providers assess risk, support safety planning, explore how violence impacts health and well-being, and identify appropriate options and resources. It includes up to date links and contact information for provincial specific resources. It can be used collaboratively during clinical encounters or shared for independent use, offering nurses a practical, trauma and violence informed way to enhance care to those experiencing D/IPV while prioritizing safety, privacy and comfort. The app is free, accessible in both a mobile and desktop version, and available in both French and English.
EQUIP Health Care, offers free modules, webinars, tools and paper-based resources developed by both research and curriculum experts in the field of Trauma and Violence Informed Care (TVIC). Topics include, TVIC, suicidality, and gender-based violence. Although not fully available in French and English, there are French resources available that can be found here.
