309053
Help-seeking behaviors among female survivors of abuse in Gujarat: A qualitative study
Purpose: To describe the experiences and help-seeking behaviors of survivors of DV.
Significance: Minimal qualitative research exists about Indian female survivors of DV. This research adds context to existing research about DV prevalence in India.
Methods: Ten female survivors of domestic abuse were interviewed in Gujarat, India. All in-person interviews were conducted in Gujarati, Hindi, and English. Interview questions collected information on a woman’s experience with DV, including their help-seeking behaviors. Two student researchers reviewed and analyzed interviews to identify themes.
Results: The most common help-seeking barriers identified were: lack of social support, peer pressure, lack of economic opportunity, and being unaware of available resources. Strong social support networks were primary deciding factors that enabled women to leave an abusive partner. When asked about needed community resources, skills training and a steady income were identified as priority areas.
Conclusion Future research should further investigate the role of formal and informal social support as a deciding factor in women’s decisions to leave abusive partners. Interventions are needed to provide women in Gujarat with additional job training and economic opportunities.
Learning Areas:
Public health or related researchSocial and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Define three help-seeking behaviors among women in Gujarat, India and describe what resources are needed to help female survivors of domestic violence.
Keyword(s): International Health, Domestic Violence
Not Answered