Aim To assess the response of health professionals working in a Kenyan hospital emergency department to patients who had experienced intimate partner violence and the obstacles they encountered.

Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 health professionals. Transcribed interviews were analysed using QSR© NVivo 7 software to reveal themes and sub-themes.

Findings Health professionals managed victims of intimate partner violence symptomatically without following any predetermined guidelines and protocols. Participants were hindered in their attempts to screen and offer subsequent help to victims by other health professionals, victims of partner violence and the police.

Conclusion Effective management by health professionals of intimate partner violence in Kenya was hindered by factors such as a lack of knowledge, training and resources. Better training is needed in assessment, screening, intervention and referral.