The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to determine whether an educational intervention had an effect on nursing students' perceived attitudes, skills, and knowledge regarding Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). The research question was as follows: Is there a difference in nursing students' perceived attitudes, skills, and knowledge after an educational intervention than before the educational intervention?

The nursing profession is uniquely positioned to make a difference in the lives of adults and children who experience the harsh reality of IPV. Literature findings indicated nurses often believe themselves to be ill-equipped to offer appropriate and beneficial interventions.

This study employed an educational intervention in the form of a two credit hour elective nursing course and assessed its effectiveness as measured through perceived change in student attitudes, skills, and knowledge. A variety of active learning strategies were used in the elective nursing course designed for this study.

The experimental sample had a total of 20 participants, and the control sample had a total of six participants. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Qualitative responses were obtained through the use of short answer questions.

The experimental group mean scores indicated an improvement in attitude, skills, and knowledge. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores for attitude (P < .01). The mean scores for skills and knowledge increased, but were not statistically significant.

Findings from this study suggested that students who received education and structured learning experiences related to IPV intervention have a positive change in attitude, skills and knowledge. Further research is recommended to assess whether these changes diminish over time, after completion of the course. It may also be of interest to examine the effects of personal experiences with IPV in students and nurses who provide care to clients who experience IPV.