scholarly journals Help-seeking among lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender victims/survivors of domestic violence and abuse: The impacts of cisgendered heteronormativity and invisibility

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 554-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Donovan ◽  
Rebecca Barnes
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Social Problem ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Individual Responsibility ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Ecological Analysis ◽  
Domestic Violence And Abuse

Despite growing research into domestic violence and abuse (DVA) in lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans (LGB and/or T) people’s relationships, LGB and/or T people remain largely invisible in DVA policy and practice. Research evidence indicates that they primarily seek help from privatised sources such as counsellors/therapists and friends. The gap in knowledge about LGB and/or T victims/survivors’ help-seeking reflects and reinforces the success of neoliberal trends in privatising social problems by promoting self-care and individual responsibility. Using qualitative data from a mixed-methods UK study, this article offers an ecological analysis of LGB and/or T victims/survivors’ help-seeking decisions and barriers, demonstrating how cisgendered heteronormativity and LGBT invisibility permeate help-seeking at individual, interpersonal and socio-cultural levels. The conclusion argues for LGBT DVA to be recognised as a social problem rather than a private trouble. Recommendations are offered for necessary steps towards better recognising and supporting LGB and/or T victims/survivors.

scholarly journals Help seeking by male victims of domestic violence and abuse: an example of an integrated mixed methods synthesis of systematic review evidence defining methodological terms

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyson L. Huntley ◽  
Eszter Szilassy ◽  
Lucy Potter ◽  
Alice Malpass ◽  
Emma Williamson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Male Victims ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Primary Level ◽  
Domestic Violence And Abuse

Abstract Background Domestic violence and abuse is a violation of human rights which damages the health and wellbeing of victims, their families and their friends. There has been less research on the experiences and support needs of male victims than those of women. Historically research on men’s experiences has not focused on what constitutes effective, needs-led service provision. The aim of this paper was to conduct an integrated mixed methods synthesis of systematic review evidence on the topic of help-seeking by male victims of domestic violence and abuse. Methods An integrated mixed methods synthesis approach was taken to enhance our understanding of the complex phenomenon of help seeking by, and service provision to male victims. This process also identifies gaps in the evidence. Using previously identified systematic review data; mixed methods data from four primary-level service evaluation studies, along with expert and patient consultation were used to develop research propositions. Primary-level qualitative interview and survey data from 12 studies of men experiences were mapped onto the propositions to support them. Results Fourteen propositions were composed. Seven propositions were supported or at least partly supported by the qualitative data. These supported propositions were used to make recommendations for policy and practice particularly concerning service preferences of male victims. The remaining seven propositions were not specifically supported by the qualitative data. These unsupported propositions were used to develop research recommendations concerning the need to further understand the potential blurred boundaries of victim–perpetrator, hybrid perpetrator-victim experiences, men who are/have been victims of childhood sexual abuse and determining the level of risk for men. They also highlight the need to produce better guidance for the response of the police & the criminal justice system. Finally, they highlight the need to produce the most appropriate service for men in terms of access, linkage, substance/alcohol abuse, mental health, sexuality, and race. Conclusion Integrated mixed-methods synthesis of systematic review evidence is a relatively novel approach. This approach can lead to recommendations for policy and practice as well as highlighting gaps in the research agenda as shown in this example.

scholarly journals Exploring the Domestic Abuse Narratives of Trans and Nonbinary People and the Role of Cisgenderism in Identity Abuse, Misgendering, and Pathologizing

2020 ◽  
pp. 107780122097136
Author(s):  
Michaela M. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Conceptual Tool ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Domestic Violence And Abuse

Drawing on data from two empirical studies, this article employs cisgenderism as a conceptual tool to explore trans people’s experiences of domestic violence and abuse (DVA). Distinct modes of cisgenderism are analyzed. These are identity abuse, microaggressions, misgendering, and pathologizing practices. Qualitative data were collected via semistructured interviews ( n = 24). Two inclusion criteria were used for this secondary analysis requiring participants to self-identify as trans or nonbinary and have experience of DVA. The findings illuminate the extent of cisgenderism as underpinning experiences of DVA. The article ends with a call for further theoretical and empirical research in this regard.

scholarly journals Challenging cisgenderism through trans people’s narratives of domestic violence and abuse

Sexualities ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 803-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michaela Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Domestic Abuse ◽  
Narrative Interviews ◽  
Trans People ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Gender Asymmetry ◽  
Domestic Violence And Abuse

By drawing on empirical research that explored trans people’s experiences of domestic violence and abuse (DVA), this article problematises the ‘gender asymmetry debate’ in DVA discourse. It does so by highlighting cisgenderism and a heteronormative bias, which have led to the invisibility of a trans perspective. Qualitative data was collected via narrative interviews and this was examined using a voice-centred relational technique. A total of 24 interviews were undertaken with trans people ( n = 15) and domestic abuse practitioners ( n = 9). In relation to the presentation and impact of DVA, and in the context of trans and cisgender people’s abuse experiences, the research findings report both similarities and differences. Four narratives are presented here to illuminate both. This article adds new insight and challenges normative and dominant discourses by promoting the need for further theorising about the gendered nature of domestic violence and abuse.

Evidence-Based Practice for Career Development

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Political Processes ◽  
Development Interventions

Evidence is essential to enable practitioners and services to best meet the needs of their service users. The concept of evidence-based practice has been imported to career development, but its implicit medical model is problematic to apply to the social nature of the field. Evaluating the effectiveness of career development interventions presents formidable methodological challenges, not least the conceptual and definitional issues raised by the selection of outcome measures. The use of research evidence in policy and practice requires the synthesis and communication of findings to practitioners and stakeholders. Both policymaking and practice are political processes and research evidence is necessary but not sufficient to influence decision-making. Knowledge generated from research can rarely be applied to career development practice without attention to multilevel contextual factors. To best inform practice, research evidence should be combined with local knowledge, practitioner experience, and input from service users. A simple integrated model of evidence-based practice for career development interventions is presented. This model is suitable for adoption by reflective practitioners.

scholarly journals Help-seeking by male victims of domestic violence and abuse (DVA): a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e021960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyson L Huntley ◽  
Lucy Potter ◽  
Emma Williamson ◽  
Alice Malpass ◽  
Eszter Szilassy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Qualitative Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Male Victims ◽  
Qualitative Evidence ◽  
Domestic Violence And Abuse

ObjectivesTo understand help-seeking by male victims of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) and their experiences of support services by systematically identifying qualitative and mixed-method studies and thematically synthesising their findings.DesignSystematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis. Searches were conducted in 12 databases and the grey literature with no language or date restrictions. Quality appraisal of the studies was carried out using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Reviewers extracted first and second order constructs related to help-seeking, identified themes and combined them by interpretative thematic synthesis.SettingDVA experienced by male victims and defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse among people aged 18 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.ParticipantsMale victims of DVA.InterventionsAny intervention which provides practical and/or psychological support to male victims of DVA including but not limited to DVA-specific services, primary healthcare and sexual health clinics.Primary and secondary outcome measuresQualitative data describing help-seeking experiences and interactions with support services of male victims of domestic violenceResultsWe included twelve studies which were published between 2006 and 2017. We grouped nine themes described over two phases (a)barriers to help-seeking: fear of disclosure, challenge to masculinity, commitment to relationship, diminished confidence/despondency and invisibility/perception of services; and (b)experiences of interventions and support: initial contact, confidentiality, appropriate professional approaches and inappropriate professional approaches.ConclusionThe recent publication of the primary studies suggests a new interest in the needs of male DVA victims. We have confirmed previously identified barriers to help-seeking by male victims of DVA and provide new insight into barriers and facilitators to service provision.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016039999.

scholarly journals Developing a Theoretical Framework to Discuss Mothers Experiencing Domestic Violence and Being Subject to Interventions: A Cross-National Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Arnull ◽  
Stacey Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Child Welfare ◽  
The United States ◽  
Review Literature ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
National Perspective ◽  
Social Work Policy ◽  
Mother Blame ◽  
Domestic Violence And Abuse

The discourse about domestic violence has developed in patriarchal societies, and so we position our understanding of ‘mother’ within a patriarchal framework. We explore the ways in which ‘mothering’ and ‘mother blame’ have been constructed within that framework and how this becomes relevant in the context of domestic violence and child welfare social work. We review literature from Australia, Canada, England and Wales, and the United States of America that has focused on child welfare responses to mothers experiencing domestic violence and abuse. On the basis of that review, we argue that mothers are responsibilised for violence and abuse they do not perpetrate. We show that the way legislation operates in some jurisdictions facilitates hegemonic, patriarchal constructions. We call for a review of current child welfare social work policy and practice in which domestic violence is present.

scholarly journals “I Have Guys Call Me and Say ‘I Can’t Be the Victim of Domestic Abuse’”: Exploring the Experiences of Telephone Support Providers for Male Victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052094455
Author(s):  
Benjamin Hine ◽  
Elizabeth A. Bates ◽  
Sarah Wallace
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Domestic Abuse ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Male Victims ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Service Engagement ◽  
Abused Men ◽  
Domestic Violence And Abuse ◽  
Gender Specific

While previous studies have begun to provide evidence on the experiences of male victims of domestic violence and abuse (DVA), current understanding in this area is still limited, and subject to narrow methods of inquiry. Moreover, little is known regarding the challenges of providing support to men in abusive relationships, and how barriers to effective service engagement are experienced by both men and service practitioners. This is an important area for exploration, as the gender-specific experiences and needs of men have been historically overlooked within academic research and service provision. The present study therefore had two principal aims: first, to provide more detailed information regarding the nature and context of abuse toward, and help-seeking experiences of, male victims, and second, to explore the experiences of those supporting abused men. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four call handlers at a U.K. domestic abuse charity supporting male victims. Transcribed interviews were subjected to thematic analysis, revealing a superordinate theme of stereotypes and expectations of men which affected all the other three overarching and eight subthemes, including those detailing the range and severity of abuse suffered, the role of family and friends, barriers to reporting for abused men, and challenges in supporting them. Implications for services working with male victims of DVA are discussed: centered around the need for recognition, increased awareness, increased resourcing, and the provision of gender-inclusive services catering for the gender-specific needs of men.

scholarly journals ‘A life barely half lived’: domestic abuse and sexual violence practitioners’ experiences and perceptions of providing care to survivors of non-physical abuse within intimate partner relationships

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Halliwell ◽  
Jennifer Daw ◽  
Susie Hay ◽  
Sandi Dheensa ◽  
Suzanne Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Physical Abuse ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Intimate Partner Relationships ◽  
Partner Relationships ◽  
Domestic Violence And Abuse

Non-physically abusive acts (underpinned by coercive control) are more prevalent than physical or sexual violence within intimate partner relationships. Yet, little is known about survivors’ help-seeking journeys or the efficacy of existing services in addressing this need. We present findings from a survey of UK-based domestic violence and abuse (DVA) and sexual violence (SV) practitioners (n = 279) exploring experiences of providing care to women with histories of non-physical abuse. Our findings suggest that survivors often seek help for non-physical abuse from specialist DVA and SV services, but wider professional agencies often overlook the severity of this experience of abuse in the absence of physical or sexual violence. The impacts of non-physical abuse on survivors’ health and wellbeing are severe and there are multiple barriers to support, particularly within the criminal justice system. Our findings highlight the urgent need to increase public and professional awareness of non-physical abuse and its consequences for training of wider agencies (for example, police, child protection, legal services) and for sustainable funding that increases long-term support options for survivors and their children.<br /><br />Key messages<br /><ul><li>Survivors of domestic violence and abuse often seek help for non-physical abuse, but professionals can misidentify the severity of this experience.</li><br /><li>The impacts of non-physical abuse on survivors’ health and wellbeing are severe, creating barriers to accessing support.</li><br /><li>There is a need to increase public and professional awareness of non-physical abuse and its consequences.</li></ul>

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