Abstract :

Background: Domestic violence is a public health problem with physical, psychological, and social consequences.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the role of healthcare workers in screening, identifying, and providing medical and psychological services for domestic violence survivors at inpatient primary health centers in Kendari City.

Methods: This qualitative descriptive study used in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving 16 informants. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo.

Results: Screening was mainly conducted through clinical observation and trust-based communication rather than consistent use of standardized tools. Identification relied on visible injuries, recurrent psychosomatic complaints, and private anamnesis. Medical care was prioritized, while psychological support was limited by the absence of psychologists, restricted counseling rooms, and uneven training.

Conclusion: Domestic violence screening and identification at primary health centers remain reactive and insufficiently standardized. Strengthening SOPs, healthcare worker training, referral pathways, and psychological support services is needed.

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Keywords :

Domestic violence, Healthcare workers, primary health care, psychological support, Screening.

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