We have selected two articles in this issue of OJIN that deal with feminist ethics. In part of her article, Draucker (2002) discusses intimate partner violence as repetitive and increasing patterns of violence against women by men in their attempts to gain power. She noted that since this abuse occurs in an ongoing or newly separated relationship, the perpetrator may have long-term access to the relationship with which she was victimized. In addition, it recognizes the many economic and sociological factors that contribute to domestic violence, and recommends, among other things, that nurses advocate for policies that redistribute power and wealth across the United States so that women who experience domestic violence benefit. In this sense, and within the framework of previous definitions of feminism, nurses base many of their actions, perhaps unknowingly, on the principles of feminist ethics. The treatment process has a strong educational component, as described in many programs across the country. This is due, in part, to the fact that many of the clients referred for treatment may have minimal psychological sophistication, may not initially understand the value of psychotherapy, and/or may not have sufficient intrinsic motivation to make meaningful use of traditional psychotherapeutic approaches. Therefore, a didactic and more practical pedagogical approach can be seen as less threatening and better suited to their desire for change. But even if a clinician uses an educational model, they still act as a psychiatrist.

If there are questions about their competence or methodology, they are likely to be held to the same standards as any other treating clinician in their profession. This is often referred to as the standard of care. None of the respondents mentioned Ministry of Health laws and standards that guide specific care practices for survivors of sexual violence. In this sense, professionals, especially nurses, must be prepared and mobilized to help women in situations of domestic violence. Therefore, they must work on the basis of scientific knowledge; Take on the challenge of identifying, reporting, caring, minimizing and preventing family violence. Most ethical codes advise against dual relationships. Because of their influential stance towards patients, therapists are expected not to tap into their patients` trust and dependence on the basis of ethical practice principles. Therefore, therapists should avoid dual relationships with patients that are reasonably likely to impair professional judgment or lead to exploitation. A dual relationship occurs when a therapist and their patient enter into a separate and distinct relationship, either simultaneously with the therapeutic relationship or for a reasonable period of time after the therapeutic relationship ends. Not all dual relationships are unethical, and some dual relationships cannot be avoided. If a dual relationship cannot be avoided, therapists must take appropriate professional precautions to ensure that judgment is not compromised and exploitation does not take place. The most common types of dual relationships are when therapists have sexual intercourse, sexual contact, or sexual intimacy with a patient or a spouse or partner of the patient during the therapeutic relationship or for two years after the therapeutic relationship ends.

Other actions that would result in unethical dual relationships include, but are not limited to, borrowing money from a patient, hiring a patient, entering into a business with a patient, establishing a close personal relationship with a patient, or establishing therapeutic relationships with people with whom they have had a sexual relationship. It is important to consider confidentiality when professionals work in different workplaces (e.g., providing non-psychotherapeutic services or educational courses to individuals). Do you comply with state-imposed and authorized disclosure laws, such as Child Abuse and Tarasoff? Arguably, because the professional is not working within the scope of his or her professional competence, he or she is not legally required to prepare these reports. On the other hand, an equally valid argument is that the services offered are sufficiently related to psychotherapy and that the person is a mandated registrant and that, therefore, the teacher (clinician) has a reporting obligation. Even if the first argument is true (that the professional is not a journalist commissioned in this capacity), the teacher can inform students orally and through informed consent that child abuse, elder/adult abuse, threats to harm others and oneself will be reported to the relevant authorities. Given the potential criminal and civil penalties for failure to report, it would be in the interest of professionals (and society) to comply with these disclosure laws. We are currently looking at some of the health damage caused by domestic violence. Draucker (2002) cites the work of Campbell (1998) and Warshaw (1998) and reports physical abuse, including injuries such as lacerations, bruises, fractures, and hearing or visual loss; sexual violence, including problems such as urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases and sexual dysfunction; stress-related violence, including problems such as eating disorders, chronic irritable bowel syndrome and persistent headaches; and emotional abuse, including problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and substance abuse. Walton-Moss and Campbell (2002) agree with Draucker (2002) on the health consequences of family violence.

The ethics of care derive from the principle of non-malevolence or non-harm. According to this principle, nurses have a duty to treat people with compassion and to respect the inherent worth and dignity of each individual. victims of violence have suffered physical, sexual or emotional injuries; Nurses are expected to provide care, no matter how difficult or ugly the situation. In 1983, another court decision (Jablonski von Pahls v. the United States) extended Tarasoff`s obligation to protect victims targeted by violence, even though no specific threat was made. In this case, a psychiatric patient with a serious history of violence against women killed his wife, even though he had not specifically threatened her.