Intimate Partner Violence Stories of Appalachian Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore past intimate partner violence as it occurred in Appalachian women residing in rural and non-urbanized areas. The methodology was qualitative description. Twelve former intimate partner violence female victims shared their experiences through the socioculturally appropriate tradition of story-telling. The meta-theme, Turning Points, reflecting the perceived non-linearity of intimate partner violence was supported by three themes: (1) The Process of Abuse: (2) Learn from my Story; Don’t Let it be Your Story; and (3) Does Where I Live Make a Difference? All participants experienced patterns of abuse that cycled in frequency and severity, similar injuries and health problems, fear, helplessness, and, at times, hopelessness. Application of knowledge gained through naturalistic methods can advance our understanding of intimate partner violence as it occurs in vulnerable populations and the depth and breadth of sociocultural influences which may affect the public health threat of this type of violence.

Reproductive Autonomy in Appalachia: An Investigation into Perceived Contraceptive Pressure

“…One theme elucidated from a sample of low-income women in Pennsylvania ( N = 66) regarding pregnancy intentions was that women do not always perceive that they have reproductive control (Borrero et al, 2015). As women in rural Appalachia have reported difficulty in differentiating between loving and controlling behaviors by their partner (Riffe-Snyder et al, 2021), service providers should incorporate content on healthy relationships in interactions when appropriate (Hall-Sanchez, 2016; Shannon et al, 2016). Moreover, educational efforts should take into consideration the lack of privacy in rural areas which can translate into a lack of client confidence in maintaining confidentiality (Riffe-Snyder et al, 2021; Swan & Hobbs, 2017).…”

“…Additional policy changes should include addressing reproductive autonomy and IPV as human rights concerns (Riffe-Snyder et al, 2021). Increased state funding is needed for the myriad social support services that intersect in the lives of women experiencing IPV (e.g., domestic violence shelters, job support services, family support services, and crisis hotlines) (Hall-Sanchez, 2016), especially to increase service access in rural areas.…”

Variations in Victimization: The Relationship between Community Types, Violence against Women and Reporting Behaviors

“…In rural communities, lack of privacy and fear of breached confidentiality, coupled with scarce resources such as shelters and support services, can inhibit reporting specifically for cases involving sexual and physical violence against women (DeKeseredy 2019;DeKeseredy et al 2016;Edwards 2015;Farhall et al 2020;Logan et al 2003;Peek-Asa et al 2011;Perez-Patron et al 2020;Riffe-Snyder et al 2021;Swan and Hobbs 2016). Rural women also face amplified fear, stigma, and shame associated with domestic violence, further hindering reporting (DeKeseredy 2015;Lanier and Maume 2009;Little 2017).…”