Understanding the dynamics of support seeking in women with lived experience of non-physical intimate partner violence (IPV) and the service responses—A qualitative study

Abstract

Non-physical abuse is a form of intimate partner violence (IPV), which negatively impacts physical and mental well-being. The study objectives were to understand the process of support seeking amongst women who experience non-physical IPV. Interviews were conducted with women who have experience of non-physical IPV and support workers. The findings of this study suggest that women generally delay support seeking for non-physical IPV as they are unable to recognise this form of violence. Increasing awareness about non-physical IPV can be a prevention strategy to assist women in recognising this and seeking support. The important finding in our study that most of the women initially contacted a healthcare professional regarding the psychological impact of the non-physical violence offers an opportunity for earlier intervention. Healthcare professionals are in a unique position to address the healthcare needs of women who experience IPV and can therefore assist in facilitating disclosure, offering support and referring to DV services. Training and education for professionals on all forms of IPV is required to improve identification and referral of women.