ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the place of ‘compassion’ in mental health nursing. It explains the role gender plays in violence and abuse and in mental health. The chapter explores the role of peer support in mental health and the development of nursing practice. Compassion and compassionate practice are reflected in the new Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Practice, the basis upon which all UK nurses are registered. From April 2016 it is proposed that a nursing revalidation process will require nurses to provide evidence that their practice reflects the four areas of the code: prioritize people, practise effectively, preserve safety and promote professionalism and trust. The putting of policy into practice for violence against women and girls has hitherto taken decades and while we can look back to the past for the policy steers for considered actions that are meaningful and authentic.
