Strategies for Increasing Help-Seeking Among Survivors of Domestic Violence - CANCELLED

• In Event: Cultural and Community Influences on Violence and Prevention

Abstract

The current mixed-method study presents findings from an online, national survey exploring help-seeking from informal and formal sources among Latine individuals with experiences of domestic violence in the last year (n = 5,706). The sample had a mean age of 37 years and was about 40% rural. The most common form of violence reported by survivors of single or poly-victimization was emotional abuse, reported by three quarters of the sample. About half of the respondents reported experiencing physical abuse, digital and phone monitoring, or financial abuse. About one third of respondents reported being pressured into sexual activity, and slightly over 10% reported reproductive pressure or control. Nearly 63% of survivors reported not seeking formal or informal support. Over half of individuals that did engage in help-seeking sought support from friends or family or a hotline. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses to questions about what was most helpful in formal help-seeking revealed 2 overarching themes: (1) the importance of emotional support and (2) advocacy needs and barriers including wait times, limited formats for support, rurality, and training needs. Findings can inform training within formal response systems and outreach to communities to address the lack of comfort with help-seeking within this population.

Authors

• Lillie Macias, Esperanza United

• Chiara Sabina, Rutgers University

• E. Susana Mariscal, Indiana University

• Calley Lewis, University of New Haven

• Amanda Mele, University of New Haven