Barriers to and Methods of Help Seeking for Domestic Violence Victimization: A Comparison of Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Women Residing in the United States

Abstract

This study examined strategies Hispanic and non-Hispanic White victims of domestic violence use to manage violence and leave their relationships. Participants ( N = 76, 41% Hispanic) completed self-report questionnaires and a semistructured interview with a language-congruent research assistant. Hispanics reported child care needs and fears of social embarrassment as barriers to leaving, while non-Hispanic Whites reported fewer social supports as a barrier. Hispanics were more likely to use legal resources for help, while non-Hispanic Whites used more informal resources. Recognizing unique barriers to leaving abusive relationships and accessing help can guide service providers and others to target vulnerable populations more effectively.

Online Social Support for Intimate Partner Violence Victims in China: Quantitative and Automatic Content Analysis

“…Nevertheless, many battered women face barriers when seeking support in a face-to-face context (Rose et al, 2000). Previous studies have suggested that female victims from cultures that emphasize women’s family obligations, such as the Chinese culture, often face difficulties in seeking social support or even receive negative reactions after disclosure (Bridges et al, 2018; Frías & Agoff, 2015; Xu et al, 2001; Yuen-Tsang & Sung, 2005). Many of these victims, in fact, did not seek help from their family members or law enforcement agencies after the abuse (Frías & Agoff, 2015).…”

Patterns of Surveillance, Control, and Abuse Among a Diverse Sample of Intimate Partner Abuse Survivors

“…Indeed, previous research suggests that traditional gender-role and religious beliefs may make it difficult for some survivors to recognize surveillance and coercive control as part of a pattern of violence (Choi, 2015;Do et al, 2013;Han et al, 2010;Shim & Nelson-Becker, 2009;Taft et al, 2008). Similarly, stigma surrounding IPA (Bridges et al, 2018;Frías, 2013;Kim-Goh & Baello, 2008;Lewis et al, 2005), help seeking (O'Neal & Beckman, 2017;Sabina et al, 2012;Shiu-Thornton et al, 2005), and divorce (Marrs Fuchsel et al, 2012;Morash et al, 2008) may make it difficult for some survivors to know how to respond to surveillance and coercive control when it does occur. It is also possible that cultural differences may exist in the role or function of surveillance across cultures.…”

Medical Spanish Musculoskeletal and Dermatologic Educational Module

“…22 Cultural or religious beliefs may also be influential in patients' health-related decisionmaking; for example, beliefs about family structure or concerns about immigration status may determine whether a patient seeks care for musculoskeletal injuries resulting from a domestic violence incident. 23 Sociocultural topics that influence health such as asking patients about delays in care or about the cause of suspicious injuries may involve highly sensitive discussions that require building respect and trust in the patient-physician relationship and should be integrated within patient-centered medical Spanish educational curricula.…”