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Abstract
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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore in detail how women perceived their experience of domestic violence and leaving or ending the abuse. This research also examined how service providers identified their professional role in assisting women to end such relationships.
BACKGROUND: Domestic violence against women continues to occur internationally. Reliable statistics are difficult to capture because of inconsistent definitions, contradictory methods of acquiring data, and unreported incidents.
DESIGN: A qualitative study, undertaken in two phases, was conducted in Australia.
METHODS: 12 women who had experienced domestic violence and ended those relationships participated in one semi-structured interview (Phase 1). 25 professionals from health, social sciences and law, whose work included assisting women experiencing domestic violence, participated in three focus groups (Phase 2). Thematic analysis guided by a narrative inquiry approach forms the framework for information collection and interpretation of data in this project.
FINDINGS: The barriers that impede women from disclosing abuse and taking action to end domestic violence are complex and varied between participants. Women did not always acknowledge or realise their relationship was precarious and often denied or minimalised the abuse in order to cope with the domestic violence. Professionals identified that women did not always identify or acknowledge abuse inherent in their relationship although this delayed the provision of appropriate services.
CONCLUSION: Whether women disclose abuse or deny violence in their relationship, acceptance by service providers and the offer of support is crucial to assisting women in violent relationships. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is hoped the findings may assist health practitioners, including nurses, to provide non-judgemental support to women experiencing domestic violence whether women acknowledge the abusive relationship or not. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Language: en |