Lydia Mainey

One quarter of Australian women will have an abortion in their lifetime. These women are up to five times more likely to be victims of domestic violence (DV) or sexual assault (SXA). Throughout their abortion journey, the woman will spend the majority of her time with a nurse. I am employing a Grounded Theory multiple methods study to explore the experiences of providing abortion-related nursing care to women affected by domestic violence or sexual assault in Australia.

Abortion, domestic violence and sexual assault are taboo topics, veiled in secrecy. Very little is known about how nurses support vulnerable women seeking abortions in the context of violence. This study will provide insight into the abortion nursing role. It will also shed light on the broader situational factors affecting nurses' experiences. The findings of this study may improve support for women affected by DV or SXA by informing health policy and nursing guidelines and may contribute to informing abortion law reform discourse and debate.