Exploring social supports/support services and decisions to leave or change with women who have experienced domestic partner violence

This research examined how women perceive their experience of ending or leaving domestic violence and help seeking during that process. Additionally this research investigated how service providers identified their professional role in assisting women to end abusive relationships. Domestic violence continues to occur worldwide with the long term consequences to health for woman experiencing such abuse being well known. Many women do not recognise their situation as violence and they may choose not to disclose violent behaviour or seek help. Social support provided by informal sources or professional support providers has been associated with a decrease in health effects for women experiencing abuse, particularly where the support provided is matched to the woman’s perceived needs. The research process was undertaken using a narrative inquiry framework with thematic analysis utilised to identify themes. I conducted twelve interviews with women who had experienced and ended violent relationships (Phase 1). Additionally I conducted three focus groups with professionals whose work includes assisting women experiencing domestic violence (Phase 2). This project identifies and describes the difficulties for women experiencing domestic violence in identifying or acknowledging the abuse in their relationship. Self-blame and other barriers were identified as preventing disclosure but also led women to normalise the violence to enable women to feel ‘safe’. This ‘culture of pretence’ inhibited disclosure and help seeking. This research explores how women overcame the culture of pretence and other barriers in order to leave or end domestic violence. The professional’s identified role in this process is reported and analysed. This project articulated what women said they needed in order to support them in making stay/leave decisions regarding the violent relationships. The provision of tailored support and the difficulties inherent in providing support specifically tailored to women’s needs were correspondingly explored. The strength of this narrative research approach included the identification of issues by women and service providers that are pertinent to providing tailored support, including a multipronged approach which incorporates a variety of services that vary depending on her individual requirements at that point in time.