Intimate Partner Violence Survivors’ Unmet Social Service Needs

ABSTRACT

Women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization are at risk for physical and mental health problems, as well as social and economic challenges. In this cross-sectional study, 173 adult, English-speaking women who had experienced police response to IPV completed a self-report questionnaire about their use of, interest in, and need for various social services and whether or not each type of service helped (or would help) them to feel safer. More than three quarters of the participants reported a current need for health and economic support services. There was less interest in traditional IPV resources: law enforcement and domestic violence counseling or shelter. Expanding services to meet survivors’ needs for health care and economic independence may facilitate long-term safety. Recommendations for further research in this area are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Intimate partner violence
• domestic violence
• service needs

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (grant #: 1R49CE001226-01). The authors thank Richard J. Gelles, PhD, for contributions to the design of this project and feedback on this article, and thank the staff of the agencies from which participants were recruited, and, most importantly, the participants themselves. The contents of this article do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government.