“…The most common public stigmatizing response identified ( n = 14), also exerted from the victim’s family and professionals, was holding women responsible for IPV when they disclosed abuse and looked for help (Barnett et al, 2016, Kenya; Childress et al, 2022, Kyrgyzstan; Mannell et al, 2018, Afghanistan; Thurston et al, 2016, China; among others). Women were blamed for the violence either for provoking it—if they did not fulfill the assigned gender role, such as being an obedient wife and faithful to the husband (Alvarado et al, 2018, Ghana; Furr, 2014, India; Muuo et al, 2020, Kenya; Thurston et al, 2016, China), for choosing the wrong husband (Alvarado et al, 2018, Ghana; Thurston et al, 2016, China), or because something was wrong with their character (Alvarado et al, 2019, Pakistan; Snell-Rood, 2015, India). In keeping with the psychological characteristics of women, if they appeared too strong or too weak, they could be blamed (Thurston et al, 2016, China).…”