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Despite robust evidence of the myriad consequences associated with intimate partner violence (IPV), social services in the United States may not adequately account for and respond to variations in how women resettling as refugees conceptualize service and support needs. With this study, the authors sought to develop a more nuanced understanding of needs as expressed by women resettling to the United States as refugees. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with refugee women who resettled to the United States (n = 35) and social services providers (n = 53), including those working in refugee resettlement or domestic violence agencies or community-based organizations. The research team used structural coding and thematic analysis to examine the data, through which they identified four themes: (1) living with enduring consequences of IPV, (2) “I just want them to help me,” (3) “I need you to talk to my husband,” and (4) “How will I pay the rent?” The study findings point to broader structural concerns shaping women’s resettlement experiences, as well as areas of incongruence between women’s conceptualizations of needs and established practice approaches. Implications for culturally competent and survivor-centered practice are discussed.

Gaps in knowledge remain regarding how and from whom women resettling to the United States as refugees seek help for intimate partner violence (IPV), and what happens when they do. This study examined ways in which women seek help for IPV across varied contexts and at different times both pre-and postresettlement. Researchers used a purposive sampling approach to recruit women who resettled to the United States as refugees (n = 35). An inductive approach to thematic analysis led to an examination of the role of family in seeking help for IPV and seeking help in the absence of family. The findings speak to the importance of applying a social support lens to theory, practice, and research concerned with women's help-seeking for IPV in the resettlement context.

A qualitative study examined factors that hinder help seeking for intimate partner violence among women who resettled to the United States as refugees. A refugee resettlement agency recruited female clients ( n = 35) and service providers and stakeholders ( n = 53) in the metropolitan area. The study employed individual interviews and focus group discussions to collect data. An inductive and interpretive thematic approach guided the analytical process. The analysis revealed challenges related to information gaps and communication struggles complicating help-seeking processes. The findings point to the importance of bolstering information sharing within and across informal and formal networks to help women navigate support and services in resettlement.

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