There are few estimates of intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural communities despite the fact that it is as prevalent in rural communities as is in urban areas. Much of the current data regarding the prevalence of IPV in rural settings comes from federal incidence and prevalence statistics. The decision whether to and from whom to seek help is often a complex one for women in abusive relationships. Isolation from family and friends, fear of retaliation from and escalation of abuse by intimate partners, and economic considerations often dictate and compound this decision. This process of help-seeking is especially complicated for women who live in rural communities. The current study examines the help-seeking behaviors of women living in rural communities and experiencing IPV, in terms of seeking restraining orders, medical attention, and counseling, and reporting abuse to law enforcement. Although all study participants experienced abuse, only half of them reported it to law enforcement, the most prevalent type of help-seeking behavior used. Physical abuse was the most prevalent type of abuse occurring alone as well as in combination with others, but only 35% of the participants sought medical attention. Similarly, despite the prevalence of verbal and emotional abuse, only a third of the participants sought counseling. Study findings suggest a "mismatch" between the help sought from formal systems and the abuse experienced.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the limited formal services available to battered women in rural communities 2. Articulate the need for systematic research in rural communities and among minority communities 3. Develop formal services that meet the unique needs of battered Latina women living in rural communities
Keywords: Barriers to Care, Battered Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.