Barriers To Leaving and Accessing Services: Perspectives of Service Providers Working with Rural Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence in Saskatchewan, Canada
摘要
The current research examined service providers’ perspectives regarding barriers to leaving relationships and accessing services after experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) for rural victims and survivors in Saskatchewan, Canada.
MethodSixteen qualitative interviews were conducted with service providers working in rural areas in Saskatchewan and thematic analysis was utilized.
ResultsThematic analysis revealed themes in relation to physical (including geographic and social isolation, housing, financial instability, transportation, and limited services when living on First Nation reserves), social (including accessing services outside their home community, confidentiality, communication limitations, stigma surrounding IPV and seeking support, working with Indigenous victims and survivors, and normalization of violence in Indigenous communities), and personal challenges (pressure from family members, uncertainty, concern for children, and concern for animals) experienced by victims and survivors that present as barriers to leaving and accessing IPV services.
ConclusionsThe knowledge gained from the current research is consistent with extant research, suggesting that IPV is still a prevalent area of concern. The results can be used to inform and improve the effectiveness of service delivery and the allocation of funding to support survivors of IPV in rural communities.