“I'm Just Like, You Know What, It’s Now or Never”: Exploring How Women of Color Experiencing Severe Abuse and Homicide Risk Journey Toward Formal Help-Seeking

Abstract

Women in the United States are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner than anyone else, and prior, severe domestic violence (DV) is typically involved in such intimate partner homicides (IPH). Black women experience disproportionately high rates of DV and IPHs, severe injury, and abuse with weapons. Distinct patterns of escalating DV are associated with impending risk of re-victimization and lethal violence. One of the most common predictors associated with formal DV help-seeking is severity of physical violence. The current study uses semi-structured interviews with 11 severe abuse survivors to answer the following research questions: (1) How do women experiencing severe abuse make sense of DV resources across the course of their abusive relationships? (2) How do women experiencing severe abuse make sense of services when fear of death/homicide risk is present? Approximately 91% of the sample is comprised of women of color (WOC) survivors. Results demonstrate that WOC survivors navigated complex journeys toward formal DV help-seeking that involved resisting help-seeking when the abuse still felt manageable; delaying help-seeking to protect themselves from escalating violence; and hastening help-seeking when breaking points were reached and the risk of death felt tangible. DV resources took on a different meaning in participants’ lives as abuse became more severe across the abuse lifecourse, and in relation to life circumstances and patterns of abuse, and personal perceptions of homicide risk. WOC participants also often experienced multiple structural barriers to formal help-seeking and waited until the violence was severe and/or life-threatening to make first contact, which highlights the necessity of immediate risk assessment with responsive service offerings that address the link between DV and poverty, as well as regular follow-up and ongoing support.

Black Communities’ Perspectives on High-Risk Domestic Violence

“…Vil et al, 2017). By the time a survivor in the Black community reaches out to these systems for support, the violence is often at high risk for lethality (Harper, 2022; Waller et al, 2022). The consequence of mistrust and fear of these systems creates a greater risk for marginalized communities (Waller & Bent-Goodley, 2022).…”

“…There is also the fear of discriminatory treatment with mainstream and social service providers. Having experienced services that are not culturally competent or viewed as discriminatory, many survivors believe that they or their children will be treated unfairly, and so, the system that should support them becomes less inviting as a help-seeking option (Bent-Goodley, 2012; Harper, 2022; Nnawulezi & Murphy, 2019; Waller et al, 2022). The lack of cultural competence creates further mistrust as it breeds miscommunication and the idea that the provider does not care (Bent-Goodley, 2014; St.…”

Describing Nonfatal Intimate Partner Strangulation Presentation and Evaluation in a Community-Based Hospital: Partnerships Between the Emergency Department and In-House Advocates

“…In our sample, the willingness to seek help may suggest escalating violence in the relationship, increasing physical and psychosocial risks, and perceived lack of other available options. 31 Similarly, the DOVE program relies on medical staff identifying IPV patients, either through screening or by self-disclosure. Patients declining to disclose abuse may not prompt a response from a DOVE advocate and would not be included in our data set.…”

Victim-Centered Care Among College Women of Color: A Qualitative Study

“…Efficient and timely support for those affected by IPV and SA can reduce or even prevent lifelong health impacts (Voth Schrag et al, 2022). However, the very people who have the highest risk of SA and IPV (i.e., ethnic minorities, immigrants, and people of color) may also be least likely to report or seek help (Burton & Guidry, 2021; Harper, 2021). Research shows that policies that do not consider survivors' needs and perspectives could be harmful and may even prevent victims from seeking help (Holland et al, 2021).…”

“…Women's experiences of IPV and SA, the impact on their health from these forms of violence, and their help-seeking behaviors are shaped by cultural beliefs and values, structural inequalities, stressors, and barriers (Arnault, 2018; Harper, 2021; Stockman et al, 2015). Existing studies have explored how cultural and social factors (structural stressors, health disparities, and racial stereotypes) shape victim experience, help seeking, and the health burden of IPV and SA (Bent-Goodley, 2007; Burton & Guidry, 2021).…”