“Bruises heal by theyself”: Experiences and perceptions of help-seeking among survivors of intimate partner violence in Metropolitan Atlanta Público
Billstrom, Chloe (Spring 2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is an endemic health issue that threatens populations’ health and well-being across the world. In the United States, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) experience disproportionate rates of IPV and are less likely to seek help compared to White populations. Within the racially and ethnically diverse geographic area of Metropolitan Atlanta, there is a dearth of evidence about how IPV survivors seek help to improve their well-being. The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of survivors of IPV seeking help in Metropolitan Atlanta.
Methods: Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 12 IPV survivors who sought formal help services because of their experiences with violence between March 2020 and December 2022. Thematic analysis was conducted to describe the perceptions and experiences of IPV survivors’ help-seeking in Metropolitan Atlanta.
Results: Survivors described the complex web of support services they navigated, including health services, social services, and informal help from loved ones. Notably, severe experiences of IPV—typically experiences of extreme physical violence—forced survivors to make quick help-seeking decisions. Participants also commonly sought out and experienced barriers to accessing mental health care. One’s own perception of the severity of violence and mental health symptomology acted as key determinants for survivors to seek help.
Conclusions: This study provides a base of evidence for IPV help-seeking in the context of Metropolitan Atlanta. Findings suggest that help-seeking is complex and that the first connection survivors have with formal help is a critical point in time to support IPV survivors.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Problem Statement 1
Purpose Statement 2
Research Objectives and Aims 2
Significance Statement 3
Chapter 2: Comprehensive Review of the Literature 4
Intimate Partner Violence 4
Help-Seeking 6
Help-seeking theories 6
IPV help-seeking among people of color 12
Type of help-seeking 13
Chapter 3: Manuscript 15
Introduction 15
Methods 16
Results 20
Theme 1: Severe cases of violence force survivors to make quick help-seeking decisions 22
Theme 2: Survivors must navigate a complex web of support services 24
Theme 3: Mental health support is a critical resource for people experiencing IPV, though survivor satisfaction varied 27
Theme 4: Informal and formal support networks are crucial resources for IPV survivors 29
Discussion 33
Limitations 37
Conclusion 39
Chapter 4: Public Health Implications and Recommendations 40
Appendices 42
Appendix I: In-depth Interview Guide (English Version) 42
Appendix II: In-depth Interview Guide (Spanish Version) 54
References 67
About this Master's Thesis
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