Turkish nurses’ attitudes towards violence against women, level of recognition of signs, and intention to report violence against women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Violence is an important public health problem that restricts human rights and freedoms. The aim of the study was to determine the attitudes of nurses towards violence against women, their level of recognition of signs of violence, and their intention to report violence. In order to collect research data, a face-to-face questionnaire was applied to 341 nurses and an introductory information form prepared by the researchers based on literature, the Attitudes towards Violence against Women Scale, the Scale of Nurses and Midwives Recognition of Signs of Violence against Women, and the Scale of Healthcare Professionals' Intention/Behavior to Report Intimate Partner Violence against Women. The study found that health professionals’ level of recognition of signs of violence against women was at a moderate level, while their intention and behavior to report was at a high level. It is important to organize in-service training to increase the knowledge and skills of health professionals in recognizing and reporting violence against women. In addition, the establishment of clear instructions and procedures regarding violence against women in institutions will guide how health professionals should act when they encounter such situations.