Özet:

The most common type of domestic violence is directed by adult males against women and children. Most of the time the violent behavior is kept hidden within the family and a social learning method is passed down from generation to generation. Individuals exposed to violence often go to health care workers. Because nurses and midwives in primary health care facilities are both female and have the opportunity of know the social characteristics of families in the region, they are in an ideal position to help families protect themselves against violence. However, unfortunately, the institutions who are required to offer primary health care services have the approach that health care services is only treating illnesses. In these facilities it is known that health care services for protecting families against violence, and for strengthening and monitoring families at risk are not provided. On the other hand, the 280th article of the New Turkish Penal Code (TPC) gives the responsibility for health care personnel to report to legal authorities when they witness violence and the signs of violence. This responsibility is in conflict with one of the principles of professional ethics, responsibility to maintain confidentiality. This article will present a case study related to the dilemma for health care personnel created by the 280th article of the New TPC to report violence and the responsibility to maintain confidentiality which is one of the ethical principles of the profession, and it is expected that there will be a discussion by the different sides of the issue.

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