Longitudinal Fluctuations of National Help-Seeking Reports for Domestic Violence Before, During, and After the Financial Crisis in Cyprus

Relatively few studies have explored domestic violence from a multiplicity of African American perspectives, experiences, and socio-demographic backgrounds within rural African American communities. Community–based participatory action research methods were used to explore domestic violence perceptions of African Americans with heterogeneous backgrounds and experiences of violence. Ten focus groups were held throughout the community with 52 diverse women ( n = 33) and men ( n = 19) living in the northwest region of Arkansas. Demographic data were collected from 47 women ( n = 28) and men ( n = 19) participating in focus groups regarding their perceptions and experiences of domestic violence, media messages, help-seeking behaviors, and services. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methods. Three major themes emerged, including (a) a heightened awareness of race, gender, and class differences; (b) imbalanced and mixed messages from media; and (c) multi-systemic dynamics influencing abusive behavior and relationships. Results indicate that study participants’ perspectives and experiences with domestic violence reflect a complex interrelated gamut of societal, community, familial, and individual dynamics. Participant recommendations related to interpersonal dynamics, media messages, and societal influences are reported with implications for practice, policy, and future research.

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“All the System is Simply a Soap Bubble”: Legal Help-Seeking for Domestic Violence Among Women in Kyrgyzstan

Journal of Family Violence ◽

10.1007/s10896-017-9945-0 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 147-160 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Saltanat Childress ◽

Darald Hanusa

Keyword(s):

Domestic Violence ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Soap Bubble

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Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Confinement: Do Victims Feel more Socially Isolated?

10.21203/rs.3.rs-858145/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sabine Drieskens ◽

Elise Braekman ◽

Karin De Ridder ◽

Lydia Gisle ◽

Rana Charafeddine ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Domestic Violence ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Health Care Services ◽

Adult Population ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Emotional Loneliness ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

Socially Isolated

Abstract Background Since March 13th 2020, confinement measures have been introduced in Belgium to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). These measures also have an impact on people’s daily life (closure of school/businesses, teleworking, recommendation to stay at home…). This can cause stress on social, economic and psychological levels and thereby can trigger domestic violence. Besides, confinement also fosters social isolation, which can complicate help seeking behaviour. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of domestic violence during the coronavirus crisis and to assess whether victims of domestic violence experienced more social isolation than nonvictims. Methods Several online COVID-19 health surveys were organised among Belgian residents aged 18 + via snowball sampling. This study is based on the second (April 2020) and the sixth survey (March 2021). After excluding 1-person households and missing data, the sample size was respectively 25,251 and 12,589. Weighted prevalence of domestic violence was evaluated for the two surveys. The association (OR (95% CI)) between domestic violence and subjective social isolation was assessed with logistic regression stratified by survey, adjusted for covariates and taking post-stratification weights into account. Results In April 2020, 4.0% of the adult population reported being a victim of domestic violence (1.2% in the health interview survey 2018); in March 2021, this was 6.2%. In April 2020, victims of domestic violence had a higher odds of perceived weak social support (2.23 (1.76–2.82)) and of having less confidence in health care services (1.78 (1.21–2.63)). In March 2021, victims had a higher odds of perceived weak social support (1.98 (1.27–3.09)), but also of being unsatisfied with their social contacts (1.81 (1.16–2.84)) and of perceived social (2.70 (1.77–4.13)) and emotional loneliness (2.40 (1.45–3.97)). Conclusions Compared to 2018, more people reported domestic violence since the coronavirus crisis. Victims of domestic violence feel more often socially isolated. Although confinement is needed to counteract the virus, it can put people in a dangerous situation since they do not get the help they need. Therefore, adequate support is essential.

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