title: Improving the health care of women living with domestic abuse.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the healthcare experiences of women living with domestic abuse, specifically in relation to the primary care setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative study was undertaken in Scotland, comprising semi-structured interviews with 17 women who had experienced domestic abuse. Data were analysed using a thematic framework.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three themes were linked to women's healthcare experiences: systems-based, interpersonal and psychological issues. Poor systems of communication sometimes fail abused women, and low self-esteem and fear of stigmatisation make it difficult for women to discuss abuse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses in primary care settings can do much to support women who have experienced domestic abuse. Understanding the systems-based, interpersonal and psychological factors that influence women's healthcare experiences may be a vital part of this process.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee. c.bradburyjones@dundee.ac.uk
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bradbury-Jones
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.forename: Thilo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kroll
authors.forename: Maxine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moy
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D017579:Domestic Violence; D004989:Ethics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D011787:Quality of Health Care