August 11, 2026
Practice Spotlight
More Than an Argument: Intimate Partner Violence and Clare’s Law
This case study uses fictional names and a fictionalized clinical scenario for learning purposes. It is intended to illustrate nursing practice considerations and does not depict any real individual or actual client situation.
Riley is hospitalized for an asthma attack and requires bronchodilators, oxygen, and monitoring. Their partner arrives early and remains for most of the shift. Registered Nurse Samantha (Sam) Phang notices that the partner interrupts Riley, answers questions on their behalf, and criticizes them for being in the hospital. The partner says, “You always make a big deal out of everything,” and “If you had stayed home and listened to me, we wouldn’t be here.” When Riley tries to ask about their treatment, the partner rolls his eyes and says, “You don’t understand any of this anyway.” Riley becomes quiet, avoids eye contact, and appears tense whenever their partner speaks.
When the partner leaves to make a call, Sam privately converses with Riley in a calm and trauma-informed manner: “I noticed you seemed uncomfortable when your partner was speaking to you. I want to check in and make sure you feel safe while you’re here.” Riley first responds, “He’s just stressed,” and Sam reassures them that support is available and that they only need to share what they feel ready to discuss.
After a pause, Riley explains that their partner often belittles them by calling them “stupid” and “lazy,” monitors who they speak with, and becomes very angry if they do not respond to text messages right away. Riley denies any recent physical violence, but Sam is concerned by several older bruises on Riley’s arms and legs. Sam validates Riley’s experience, assesses immediate safety risks, and asks whether Riley feels safe having their partner return to the room. As part of safety planning, Sam provides information about Manitoba’s Clare’s Law and explains that individuals concerned about a current or former partner may request information through the disclosure process if they meet the criteria. Riley says they need time to process the information but are open to a social work referral to explore community supports and learn more about Clare’s Law.
Sam documents the interaction in Riley’s client record, using Riley’s own words where possible. Sam also records Riley’s behaviour around their partner, the safety assessment, the resources offered, and the plan to reassess safety.
Registered Nursing Care When Intimate Partner Violence is Suspected
In this scenario, Samantha Phang, RN, demonstrates respect for Riley’s dignity and autonomy by adopting a non-judgmental, trauma-informed approach that validates Riley’s experience, avoids blame, and offers support at Riley’s pace. Sam provides safe, competent care by recognizing that Riley’s behaviour may indicate coercive control and intimate partner violence (IPV), rather than an interpersonal conflict. In addition to assessing risk and re-evaluating Riley’s safety, resources are offered, including Manitoba’s Clare’s Law as a voluntary support. The information is provided without pressure or influence, supporting client autonomy and informed choices while focusing on the client’s best interests.
Practice Expectations for RNs
Several RN practice expectations apply when using the nursing process to respond to IPV.
| Professional Practice | 2c. Identifying issues which could have an injurious effect on clients or others. |
| Competent Practice | 6. Demonstrate critical inquiry in planning for client care needs and evaluating care provided. |
| Professional Communication | 10. Engage in active listening and other evidence-informed communication skills to demonstrate respect, compassion, and empathy for clients’ experiences, cultures, preferences, and goals.
13. Demonstrate skill in written and/or electronic communication that promotes quality documentation and communication between team members. |
| Ethical Practice | 14. Practise in accordance with the values outlined in the Code of Ethical Conduct. |
| Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility and Anti-racism in Practice | 19. Create an environment to promote culturally safe health care experiences where clients’ physical, mental/ emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs can be met. |
| Collaborative Care | 26a. Work collaboratively and cooperatively with clients, families and other health-care providers in providing for the health care of the client and communicate effectively and appropriately with them. |
| Client Records | 31. As an RN, you must appropriately document the nursing care you provided in a record specific to each client as the nursing care is provided or as soon as possible after the care is provided. |
Clare’s Law
Manitoba’s Clare’s Law, enacted on March 1, 2026, allows at-risk individuals to access a partner’s documented violence or abuse history. It covers acts of violence, threats, coercive behaviour, and conduct causing fear. Registered nurses may receive disclosure information and are responsible for:
- recognizing warning signs,
- offering trauma-informed support,
- discussing options, and
- connecting patients to resources when intimate partner violence concerns arise.
For further information:
College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba: Code of Ethical Conduct
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
The Disclosure to Protect Against Intimate Partner Violence Act