The Role of Nurses in the Management of Women Victims of Domestic Violence: A Scoping Review of the International Literature

Introduction: Domestic violence is a pervasive global health issue affecting approximately one-third of women worldwide. Nurses play a pivotal role in identifying, supporting, and protecting women who experience intimate partner violence; however, evidence suggests significant gaps in training, screening practices, and organizational support within healthcare settings. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the international literature on nursing interventions for women victims of domestic violence, with particular attention to training, screening protocols, legal responsibilities, and interprofessional collaboration. Methods: The review followed the methodological frameworks of Arksey and O’Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute. A PIO (Population–Intervention–Outcome) approach guided the research question. Six databases (Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cinahl, Ovid, PsycInfo) were searched in December 2023 using predefined keywords and Boolean operators. Inclusion criteria comprised studies published between 2013 and 2023, involving adult female victims of domestic violence, written in English, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese. A total of 491 records were identified, and after removing duplicates and screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 28 studies were included. Data were charted and synthesized thematically. Results: Five key areas of nursing intervention emerged: (1) structured training programs, which significantly improved identification, documentation, and victim support; (2) early screening using validated tools and medico-legal documentation, enhancing detection of non-obvious abuse; (3) ensuring privacy and safe spaces to encourage disclosure; (4) understanding legal and ethical obligations, including mandatory reporting; and (5) the integration of forensic nurses, who improved evidence collection, interagency coordination, and the overall quality of care. Victims' perceptions highlighted the importance of empathetic, non-judgmental communication as a determinant of trust and engagement with healthcare services. Conclusions: This review underscores the urgent need for standardized training, operational protocols, validated screening tools, and interprofessional pathways to strengthen nursing responses to domestic violence. Although limited by variation in study contexts and lack of methodological appraisal, the review offers valuable insights and a foundation for developing evidence-based, culturally sensitive models of nursing care in emergency and healthcare settings.