Seeking Help in Situations of Conjugal Violence: Adding the Barriers by Adding Vulnerabilities

• In Event: Protecting Victims of Intimate Partner Violence by Promoting Access to Justice

Abstract

The pathway that leads to looking for and finding help in situations of domestic violence is paved with pitfalls. The pathway is complicated when other conditions are added to the context of domestic violence: situation of immigration, use of psychoactive substances, physical or mental health problems, and presence of children. We explore these intersections that may compromise the seeking of help for the victims on the one hand, and on the other hand, the capability of resources to respond to the multiple needs of the victims. Our main objective is to identify good practices to solve these problems.

Author

• Marie-Marthe Cousineau, University of Montreal