Inquiring about childhood sexual abuse as part of the nursing history: opinions of abused and nonabused nurses

Abstract

This article explores the opinions of nurses who were sexually abused as children and those who were not, concerning routine inquiry about a history of sexual abuse. Approximately 60% of the participants indicated that routine inquiry should be conducted in pediatric and psychiatric settings. Reasons put forward for not inquiring included concerns about being intrusive, feeling unqualified to deal with content if abuse had occurred, and fear of increasing the distress of clients. Participants believed nurses needed education in this area if they were to be effective. Reasons why this topic involving sexuality and violence may be difficult for nurses are considered.