Internal and External Barriers to Help Seeking: Voices of Men Who Experienced Abuse in the Intimate Relationships

2020 ◽  
pp. 0306624X2091971
Author(s):  
Alexandra Lysova ◽  
Kenzie Hanson ◽  
Louise Dixon ◽  
Emily M. Douglas ◽  
Denise A. Hines ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Help Seeking ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Semantic Level ◽  
The Public ◽  
Male Roles ◽  
The Family ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
English Speaking

This qualitative study explores internal and external barriers to help seeking among 41 men from four English-speaking countries who self-reported victimization from a female intimate partner. Twelve online focus groups were conducted and themes were identified inductively at a semantic level. Six identified themes represented four internal (blind to the abuse, maintaining relationships, male roles, and excuses) and two external barriers to help seeking (fear of seeking help and nowhere to go). Most participants who avoided seeking help did so due to their own lack of recognition of abuse and ability to assess their risk of harm, attempts to keep the family intact, masculine stereotypes, and excuses for their partner’s abuse. Some men who expressed an interest in seeking help were discouraged from it due to fear for their personal safety, a potential revictimization in the legal system, and the lack of support services available to men. This research suggests that the individuals who are abused in relationships, service providers, and the public at large could benefit from professional training about gender inclusive approaches to intimate partner abuse.

scholarly journals Contemplating Help-Seeking in Perinatal Psychological Distress—A Meta-Ethnography

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5226
Author(s):  
Minna Anneli Sorsa ◽  
Jari Kylmä ◽  
Terese Elisabet Bondas
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Critical Appraisal ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Linear Process ◽  
Small Children ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
Critical Appraisal Skills

Perinatal psychological distress (PPD) may cause delays in help-seeking in the perinatal period, which is crucial for families with small children. Help-seeking theories focus on rational processes of behavior wherein ‘help-seeking’ is viewed as a decision-making process, in which action is preceded by recognizing a problem. We identified the phase prior to actual help-seeking actions as a life situation and a phenomenon through which to gain a deeper understanding from women’s own perspectives. The aim of this study was to integrate and synthesize knowledge of women’s experiences of contemplating seeking help for PPD. We chose interpretative meta-ethnography by Noblit and Hare (1988) and implemented eMERGe guidelines in reporting. The search was performed systematically, and the 14 included studies were evaluated with Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist (CASP). We identified seven themes and a metaphor in a lines-of-argument synthesis, showing that contemplating help-seeking is a multidimensional phenomenon. We did not observe a straightforward and linear process (as previous research suggests) but instead a complex process of contemplating help-seeking. A clinical implication is that service providers should work with outreach and develop their tools to connect with mothers with PPD. Another suggestion is to improve training in mental health literacy prior to or during pregnancy.

Barriers and Facilitators to Parental Help-Seeking for Young Children With Developmental Delays: A Qualitative Investigation

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-198
Author(s):  
Jennifer Marshall ◽  
Linda M. Raffaele Mendez ◽  
Destiny L. Singleton
Keyword(s):  
Help Seeking ◽  
Developmental Delays ◽  
Service Systems ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Developmental Problems ◽  
Issue Evaluation ◽  
Parental Recognition ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Recognition And Response

This study examined influences, factors, and processes associated with parental recognition and response to developmental concerns through interviews and focus groups with six Spanish- and 17 English-speaking parents of children aged 2 weeks to 4.5 years with developmental concerns. Results revealed that social support, perceptions of perceived threat (the child’s susceptibility to developmental problems and potential severity of the issue), evaluation of the benefits and barriers of seeking help, self-efficacy, and referral coordination influenced parents’ recognition and response to developmental concerns. Experiences and paths to services varied greatly, illustrating the lack of consistency within service systems. Understanding these influences in identification and intervention is the first step in addressing how to better support parents and their children.

Chinese Male Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: A Three-Pillar Approach to Analyze Men's Delayed Help-Seeking Decisions

2020 ◽  
pp. VV-D-19-00129
Author(s):  
Wai Hung Wallace Tsang ◽  
T. M. Simon Chan ◽  
Monit Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Male Survivors ◽  
Personal Strengths ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Chinese Male

Intimate partner violence (IPV) literature has addressed differential socialization for designing interventions, mainly helping female victims and male perpetrators. From a gender-specific perspective, this study examines the abused men's postponed decisions to disclose victimization or seek help. Through individual interviews, 10 Chinese male IPV survivors in Hong Kong described their help-seeking journey. A three-pillar approach is applied to guide the analysis in terms of psychological factors, cultural barriers, and decisional challenges when men are seeking help. Results reveal negative influences bearing on male survivors' help-seeking behaviors and support how men can rebuild positive personal strengths after experiencing the impact of abuse on oneself and the family. Service providers must identify barriers of delayed help-seeking decisions and treat IPV survivors with respect and acceptance to facilitate abuse disclosure.

scholarly journals Experience of Intimate Partner Violence and Help-Seeking Behaviour among Women in Uganda

Psych ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 182-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bishwajit Ghose ◽  
Sanni Yaya
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Health Survey ◽  
Alcohol Drinking ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Demographic And Health Survey ◽  
Healthcare Use ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Seeking Help

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is recognised as a fundamental violation of women’s human rights and a widespread phenomenon in Africa. Women’s low socioeconomic empowerment, cultural acceptability, and lack of social support exacerbate the health and psychosocial outcomes of IPV among African women. To date, there is no systematic research on IPV and its association with healthcare use among adult women in Uganda. Therefore, we conducted the present study on IPV among Ugandan women of childbearing age (15–49 years). Cross-sectional data on 7536 women were collected from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS—Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2016). The objectives were to assess the predictors of IPV as well as help-seeking behaviour for victims of IPV. IPV was assessed by women’s experience of physical, emotional and sexual violence and healthcare use was assessed by self-reported medical visits during the last 12 months. Logistic regression methods were used to analyse the data. According to descriptive findings, which showed that more than half of the women reported experiencing any IPV (55.3%, 95%CI = 53.6, 57.0), emotional IPV (41.2%, 95%CI = 39.6, 42.8) was the most prevalent of all three categories, followed by physical (39.3%, 95%CI = 37.7, 40.9) and sexual IPV (22.0%, 95%CI = 20.7, 23.3). In the multivariate analysis, higher age, rural residence, religious background (non-Christian), ethnicity (Banyankore and Itseo), secondary/higher education and husband’s alcohol drinking habit were positively associated with women’s experience of IPV. Husband’s alcohol drinking was found to be a significant barrier to seeking help among those who experienced IPV. In conclusion, our findings suggest a noticeably high prevalence of IPV among Ugandan women. There are important sociodemographic and cultural patterns in the occurrence of IPV that need to be taken into account when designing intervention policies. Special attention should be given to women living with husbands/partners who drink alcohol, as this might increase their odds of experiencing IPV, as well as reduce the likelihood of seeking help.

Help-Seeking Behaviors of Male Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Kenya

2021 ◽  
pp. 0192513X2110428
Author(s):  
Eric Y. Tenkorang ◽  
Mariama Zaami ◽  
Sitawa Kimuna ◽  
Adobea Y. Owusu ◽  
Emmanuel Rohn
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Male Survivors ◽  
Seeking Help

Very few studies examine the help-seeking behaviors of male survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Kenya or sub-Saharan Africa more generally. Using nationally representative cross-sectional data from 1,458 male survivors and multinomial logit models, we examined what influences men’s decision to seek help after experiencing IPV. Results show the majority of male survivors did not seek help. Those who did so turned to informal rather than formal sources. The severity of physical violence was the most robust and consistent predictor of help-seeking. Male survivors of severe physical abuse had higher odds of seeking help from informal support networks than not seeking help. Compared to the uneducated, highly educated men were significantly more likely to seek help from formal support networks than to not seek help at all. Sensitization programs are required to educate male survivors of IPV on available sources of support. In particular, barriers to help-seeking must be removed to encourage male survivors to find support.

Somos Hermanas Del Mismo Dolor (We Are Sisters of the Same Pain)

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 623-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany Kim ◽  
Claire B. Draucker ◽  
Christine Bradway ◽  
Jeanne Ann Grisso ◽  
Marilyn S. Sommers
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Social Service ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Northeastern United States ◽  
International Borders ◽  
The Family ◽  
Mexican Immigrant Women

Migration across international borders places tremendous stress on immigrant families and may put women at greater risk for intimate partner violence. In this study, we used narrative analysis methods to explore how nine Mexican immigrant women in the Northeastern United States described their experiences of intimate partner sexual violence, and how these stories were embedded within narratives of transition and movement across borders. We identified three major themes: The Virgin and the Whore, The Family, and Getting Ahead. We share important implications for researchers and health and social service providers working with this population.

scholarly journals Intimate Partner Violence among Canadian Muslim Women

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110215
Author(s):  
Maryam S. Alghamdi ◽  
Bonnie K. Lee ◽  
Gabriela A. Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Muslim Women ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Women's Experience ◽  
Migration Experiences

An examination of the interaction of pre- and post-migration stressors is critical to understanding Canadian Muslim immigrant women’s experience of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study uses a dominant qualitative design, supplemented by quantitative data to understand eight Canadian Muslim immigrant women’s experience of IPV from six countries of origin. Five themes were identified: (a) childhood exposure to trauma and violence, (b) iron cage of society, (c) the fusion of love and violence, (d) post-migration challenges and assistance, and (e) toll and consequences of IPV. These themes are described to illustrate the trajectory in the development of IPV and the participants’ eventual decision to leave their relationship. Pre-migration experiences included adverse childhood experiences, family history of IPV, and difficulty with help-seeking for IPV. Post-migration challenges of language difficulties, lack of social connections, internalized familial patriarchal values, and sexism influenced women’s help-seeking and decision-making. Results from this sample suggested that immigrant Muslim women are likely more affected by IPV in comparison to Canadian-born Muslim women, experienced more stressors, less support, delayed help-seeking process, and more serious mental health consequences. Quantitative measures revealed negative effects of IPV on women’s mental and overall health. The roles of ethnic communities, religious institutions, law enforcement, and service providers in supporting Canadian Muslim women with experience of IPV are discussed.

scholarly journals “No blood, no foul”?: How invalidating responses to non-physical intimate partner abuse imperils victims

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenni Nathan
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Physical Abuse ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Prolonged Exposure ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Partner Abuse ◽  
Intimate Partner Abuse ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Popular Discourse ◽  
The Impact

In Australian legislation and policy, definitions of intimate partner abuse acknowledge that it is an ongoing pattern employed by a perpetrator in order to gain or maintain control, foster dependency, and erode the self-worth of the victim and can include behaviours that are physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological in nature. However, societal responses – from service providers, and friends and family – to help seeker’s disclosures of non-physical abuse are indicative of much narrower understandings. This thesis draws on qualitative data derived from semi-structured interviews with nine survivors of non-physical abuse to examine how responses to help seeking efforts influence stay/leave decision-making. Constructivist grounded theory was used in the analysis of responses from which two categories emerged – invalidating and validating. Invalidating responses inhibited further help seeking and prolonged exposure to abuse. Validating responses prompted efforts to alleviate or leave abuse. Drawing on the thesis findings, the discussion and analysis centre on better understanding the social foundations of decision-making and responses. These include: the reasons responses are so influential in the decision-making process, why responses are often incongruent with current policy and practice guidelines, conceptions of abuse in popular discourse, and the impact of social norms and popular discourse on non-help seeking behaviours. Following from this, some of the measures that might be employed to change societal responses to intimate partner abuse are discussed. The current study found that responses to participant’s help seeking efforts were influential in their decisions to stay in, or leave the relationship. The findings indicate that responses to help-seeking efforts are derived from public perceptions of, and attitudes to, intimate partner abuse. Poor understandings can result in poor responses, which can ultimately put the victim at risk. The current societal focus on physical manifestations of abuse belies the complexity of the problem and is detrimental to efforts to address intimate partner abuse. Improved awareness and acknowledgment of the impact of non-physical intimate partner abuse is therefore critical to domestic violence reduction and intervention.

Transgender Intimate Partner Violence

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Transgender People ◽  
Prevention Service

A growing body of research finds that upward of half of transgender people experience intimate partner violence (IPV)—psychological, physical, or sexual abuse in romantic and sexual relationships—in their lifetimes, and consequences can be severe. Despite this, the movement to end IPV has focused almost exclusively on cisgender individuals, resulting in many transgender IPV (T-IPV) survivors being underserved and overlooked by the very laws and victim agencies tasked with protecting survivors. Research has illuminated a variety of unique aspects of T-IPV regarding the predictors of perpetration, the specific forms of abuse experienced, barriers to help seeking for survivors, and policy and intervention needs. As the first of its kind, this volume brings together leading T-IPV researchers and service providers to offer a comprehensive overview of past research and identify evidence-based strategies to foster systemic change in how transgender abuse is addressed in our policies and services. First the volume details known patterns of transgender abuse and examines, through an intersectional framework, the myriad ways in which discrimination and social inequality promote and enhance T-IPV. Second, the volume discusses how transphobia and cisnormativity impact the causes of T-IPV, survivor resiliency, and help seeking. Third, the volume reviews and critiques existing practices in how health care, shelters, policing, and the legal system intervene in T-IPV. The volume concludes with recommendations for transforming public health prevention, service provision, and research to ultimately build a safer and more inclusive world for transgender communities.

Examining Men’s Experiences of Abuse From a Female Intimate Partner in Four English-Speaking Countries

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052092234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Dixon ◽  
Gareth J. Treharne ◽  
Elizabeth M. Celi ◽  
Denise A. Hines ◽  
Alexandra V. Lysova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Semantic Level ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Online Focus Groups ◽  
Hard To Reach Populations ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Epistemological Position

This qualitative study explores the experiences of men who self-report victimization from a female intimate partner in four English-speaking countries. Forty-one men who reported any type of intimate partner abuse (IPA) from a female partner were recruited via targeted advertising in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Twelve online focus groups were conducted across countries using a phenomenologically informed design. Thematic analysis was carried out from an inductive and realist epistemological position and themes identified at a semantic level. This approach was taken to directly reflect the men’s experiences and perspectives, ensuring the voices of this hard-to-reach and overlooked population were heard. Three themes were identified across the countries: an imbalanced experience of harm; living with sustained abuse; and knowledge is power for men experiencing IPA. It was found that most participants underwent physical harm in the context of coercive control and experienced abuse over long periods of time. They were slow to recognize the magnitude of their partners’ behavior and act upon it for a range of reasons that are described in detail. In addition, promoting knowledge about the victimization of men by women, using appropriate language and active learning, was found to be important in helping the men gain autonomy and agency to break the pattern of abuse and aid their recovery. The implications of the findings for developing male-friendly IPA policy, practice, and services are discussed, in addition to the need for innovative research methodology to access hard-to-reach populations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document