During her lifetime every third woman may be exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) according to the WHO. If psychological violence is included, the number is even higher. IPV is further seen as a violation of the human rights according to WHO. Nurses needs to deepen their knowledge and understanding of what effects IPV has on the exposed woman as well as understand what impacts physical- and psychological violence has to identify the exposed women when they seek healthcare. Research shows that women do not mind being asked whether exposed to IPV if these questions are asked in a respectful and non-judgmental manor.

Aim: the purpose of this study was to identify, from a nurse's perspective, the obstacles that exist when the question of intimate partner violence is not raised at patient meetings.

Method: a literature based qualitative study based on 10 qualitative articles.

Result: three themes were identified; the nurse's inability to ask about exposure to violence, the employer's shortcomings in creating the conditions for conversations about exposure to violence as well as the nurse's ignorance concerning responsibility and action regarding abused women.

Conclusion: it appeared that the nurses needed further knowledge regarding what IPV is andwhy it is important to ask about it. Additional knowledge is needed about routines of handling discovered cases of IPV. Further reflection is needed regarding the nurse's professional responsibilities as well as for the employer to provide a better work environment with favorable conditions to identify the women exposed to IPV