Objective: This study aimed to analyze the nursing care of individuals in situations of domestic violence, assisted in the hospital emergency room. Methods: This qualitative survey was conducted in May, 2015, with fifteen nurses from hospital emergencies in Juazeiro/Bahia and Petrolina/Pernambuco. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed by content analysis. Results: Nurses do not see domestic violence in all its aspects, but understand the bureaucracy of services. Conclusion: Physical structure; lack of protocols, and the little knowledge acquired during graduation, which are limiting factors when faced with the measures required in cases of violence.