Broadening the ‘Survivor Capsule’ of Intimate Partner Violence Services

Abstract

This study responds to a need to expand current understandings of the ways in which counselling services for intimate partner violence (IPV) address trauma. From the perspectives of fifteen women who accessed IPV counselling services in Ontario, Canada, this feminist intersectional study used constructivist grounded theory methods to explore how services help women heal from trauma. Specifically, the study aimed to understand how counselling services meet the needs of survivors of IPV and respond to their complex identities and experiences of trauma and oppression. Findings exemplify the theoretical concept of a survivor capsule, illustrating ways in which women’s unique lives often do not fit into current IPV services, showing a need for more complex intersectional understandings of women’s experiences of IPV and trauma. These study findings demonstrate the importance of recognising women’s individual needs for multiple services as well as the harm caused when women have to fight to access the services they need. Findings also illustrate the instrumental role of counsellors who provide validation, are connected with women’s experiences, and are knowledgeable about IPV and trauma. Finally, suggestions are put forward for ways in which service providers can create spaces of acceptance rather than services that are stigmatising.

Reflections From Applying Intersectionality to a Constructivist Grounded Theory Study on Intimate Partner Violence and Trauma

“…The application of intersectionality (Crenshaw, 1989) to CGT (Charmaz, 2014) in this study, which included the voices of 15 women with diverse experiences, allowed for an understanding of the interconnections between oppression, IPV, and trauma (Baird et al, 2019, 2020). Findings from the study showed the prevalence of trauma in the lives of these women, and links between oppression, IPV, and trauma, such as being blamed and not accepted (Baird et al, 2019).…”

“…Findings from the study showed the prevalence of trauma in the lives of these women, and links between oppression, IPV, and trauma, such as being blamed and not accepted (Baird et al, 2019). The intersectional lens also allowed for an understanding of the need for service providers to widen their view of women’s experiences of IPV and trauma to better respond to women’s unique lives and needs (Baird et al, 2020).…”

“…For me, the most important contribution of an intersectional CGT approach is the recognition that we as social work researchers have a responsibility to make certain our research does not generalize from the experiences of the most privileged, or indeed of any group of people, to all people. That is, the “one size fits all” (Lorde, 1984; Verloo, 2006) approach to research and service provision must be avoided (Baird et al, 2020). Throughout this research journey, I have identified both pitfalls and successes.…”

“…The diversity among the women’s experiences helped me to focus on each of their unique experiences, rather than viewing their experiences as representing a certain identity category. For instance, while women identified different regions or countries of birth (Africa, Canada/North America, Europe, Central/South America, Middle East), and different spiritual backgrounds (Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, no spiritual identification) (Baird et al, 2019, 2020), it was the connections between these experiences that I focused on, rather than identity categories.…”

“…This paper aims to add to the literature by describing my process of applying an intersectional lens to constructivist grounded theory (CGT) methodology, through my dissertation on women’s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) and trauma (Baird et al, 2019, 2020). This paper discusses (a) methodological challenges associated with conducting an intersectional, CGT study; (b) dilemmas related to recruiting and interviewing women about trauma; and (c) recommendations for future intersectional qualitative research.…”