Nursing care model for children victims of violence

Abstract

Introduction: Evidence exists that child abuse has occurred throughout human history however the magnitude of the increased incidence of violence toward children, as well as its complexity, deserves reflection and consideration.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore a nursing care model for child victims of violence who resided in Homes Houses2 using therapeutic play; and to investigate the potential of using therapeutic play to create connections between the child, the nurse, and their surroundings in the Homes Houses.

Methodology: During completion of the Master’s Program in Nursing at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil (UFSC), a care model using therapeutic play was developed with child residents of Homes Houses who had suffered physical violence. This is a qualitative assistential convergent research study, conducted with four children from July 2004 to July 2005.

Results: The results provide evidence that the proposed care model is adequate for application in this situation.

Conclusion: The model proposes a new field of practice, not only for the nursing profession, but for caring for child victims of violence generally.