Nursing care of Native American battered women.

Abstract

Native American nations and peoples have experienced hundreds of years of oppression, prejudice, poverty, and the lack of self-determination. This has resulted in a disintegration of self-esteem and traditional values that are manifested in high rates of self-inflicted injury and other violence, including suicide, homicide, alcoholism, and domestic violence. Nurses have a key role to play in addressing violence in Native American communities. Cultural sensitivity is central to effective intervention.