Citation

Selestine V, Harvey S, Mshana G, Kapiga S, Lees S. Violence Against Women 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/10778012221077130

PMID

35213259

Abstract

In this qualitative study of women participating in an intimate partner violence (IPV) prevention trial, experiences of IPV and the context that shapes support-seeking were explored through in-depth interviews and focus groups discussions. Decisions to seek support were influenced by a range of factors including fear of further abuse, shame, acceptance of IPV as normal, belief that IPV is a private matter between the couple, economic dependence on male partners, and a poorly responsive legal and justice system. Gender empowerment programs need to intervene at the social, cultural, political, and economic levels that shape justification and meanings attached to IPV and women's decisions in seeking support.

Language: en

Keywords

intimate partner violence; Africa; disclosure of violence; structural factors; support seeking