<p>Domestic violence (DV) remains a serious public health issue with far-reaching physical and mental health consequences. While online platforms have become an important resource for support, research on online help-seeking behaviors remains unexplored. Understanding these online help-seeking behaviors is important for developing targeted and personalized interventions and digital resources hub to support survivors effectively, thereby reducing barriers in help-seeking, and improving the well-being of survivors affected by DV. This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with 36 individuals who experienced DV in Hong Kong. Participants were recruited through social media and non-governmental organizations. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify barriers and facilitators of their online help-seeking behaviors. Key barriers to online help-seeking included inadequate digital health literacy, concerns about information quality, and unsupportive online services. Facilitators encompassed informational and emotional support, accessibility, and confidentiality. Notable differences emerged between self-identified survivors and victims. Survivors primarily sought practical information and solutions, while victims emphasized emotional support and connection. All victims reported experiencing barriers to online help-seeking, with concerns about immediate response capabilities and digital safety. This study reveals distinct patterns of online help-seeking between DV victims and survivors, highlighting the need for targeted digital interventions that address both informational and emotional support needs while ensuring user safety. Healthcare providers should be aware of these differences when providing support through online platforms.</p>

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Barriers and facilitators of online help-seeking behaviors among people with domestic violence experience in Hong Kong: a qualitative study

  • Vivian Hui,
  • Lidan Tian,
  • Rosanna Tsang,
  • Karen Tsui,
  • Arkers Kwan Ching Wong,
  • Rose Eva Constantino

摘要

Domestic violence (DV) remains a serious public health issue with far-reaching physical and mental health consequences. While online platforms have become an important resource for support, research on online help-seeking behaviors remains unexplored. Understanding these online help-seeking behaviors is important for developing targeted and personalized interventions and digital resources hub to support survivors effectively, thereby reducing barriers in help-seeking, and improving the well-being of survivors affected by DV. This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with 36 individuals who experienced DV in Hong Kong. Participants were recruited through social media and non-governmental organizations. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify barriers and facilitators of their online help-seeking behaviors. Key barriers to online help-seeking included inadequate digital health literacy, concerns about information quality, and unsupportive online services. Facilitators encompassed informational and emotional support, accessibility, and confidentiality. Notable differences emerged between self-identified survivors and victims. Survivors primarily sought practical information and solutions, while victims emphasized emotional support and connection. All victims reported experiencing barriers to online help-seeking, with concerns about immediate response capabilities and digital safety. This study reveals distinct patterns of online help-seeking between DV victims and survivors, highlighting the need for targeted digital interventions that address both informational and emotional support needs while ensuring user safety. Healthcare providers should be aware of these differences when providing support through online platforms.