DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/nmjn.v14i3.70200

Community-Nurse Collaboration in Combatting Family Violence in Nigeria: An Evidence-Based Intervention Model

*Oluwasayo Bolarinwa Ogunlade  -  Department of Nursing Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
Cecilia Bukola Bello  -  Department of Nursing Science, Afe Babalola University, Nigeria
Ojo Melvin Agunbiade  -  Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
Adekemi Eunice Olowokere  -  Department of Nursing Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
Omolola Irinoye  -  Department of Nursing Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
Open Access Copyright (c) 2025 by the Authors, Published by Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Background: Individuals affected by family violence (FV) face a range of physical, social, and psychological effects, disrupted family relationships, and mental health issues. In Nigeria, FV incidents are often kept silent due to cultural norms and social stigma, which prevent survivors from accessing essential care and support. Despite the significant impact of this problem, research on context-specific healthcare and support pathways remains limited; therefore, this study addresses this gap.

Purpose: The study explored a nurse-led community-based approach to preventing and mitigating the impact of FV.

Methods: The study employed an exploratory qualitative case study design using an intervention development model. Conducted in Ondo State, data were collected through semi-structured interviews (n = 18) and focus group discussions (n = 92) across three senatorial districts and were analysed using content and thematic analysis.

Results: The analysis led to the development of a three-component FV intervention consisting of (1) a training manual for nurses, (2) a clinical intervention pathway, and (3) management guidelines for nurses to identify and care for survivors.

Conclusion: The intervention offers a culturally appropriate and context-specific framework to strengthen nurses’ capacity in addressing FV in Nigeria and may serve as a model for integrating FV management into primary healthcare practice.

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Keywords: Family Violence; Nurses; Collaborative Management; Intervention; Community Health Nurse
Funding: NIL

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