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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Research

Barriers to help-seeking from healthcare professionals amongst women who experience domestic violence - a qualitative study in Sri Lanka

Authors: Tharuka Silva, Thilini Agampodi, Maggie Evans, Duleeka Knipe, Abey Rathnayake, Thilini Rajapakse

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

Domestic violence (DV) is a major global public health problem which is associated with significant adverse consequences. Although Sri Lankan women who experience DV receive treatment from healthcare professionals (HCPs) for DV related physical and psychological problems, disclosure of DV within health services is quite low. This study explored barriers to disclosure of DV to HCPs among Sri Lankan women who experience DV.

Method

This qualitative study took place in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Twenty women who had experienced DV were recruited from Gender Based Violence Centers (Mithuru Piyasa Centers) and a toxicology unit of the two selected hospitals. Participants were purposefully selected using maximum variation sampling technique. In-depth interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Interviews were recorded, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Survivor related barriers to help seeking included women’s lack of knowledge and perceptions about the role of HCPs, lack of confidence in HCPs, fear of repercussions, personal attitudes towards DV, and their love and loyalty towards the perpetrator. Women preferred it if HCPs initiated discussions about DV, and they valued it when HCPs could be confidential and protect their privacy, and give enough time for DV related issues during consultations. A perpetrator related barrier was the controlling behavior of the perpetrator. Social stigma and social and cultural norms about the role of women emerged as the socio-cultural constraints to disclosure.

Conclusions

Barriers to help seeking for DV from HCPs exist at individual, healthcare level, and societal level. Community programs are needed to increase women’s access to healthcare services and interventions should be implemented to develop effective, preventive, and supportive strategies at the healthcare system level.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Barriers to help-seeking from healthcare professionals amongst women who experience domestic violence - a qualitative study in Sri Lanka
Authors
Tharuka Silva
Thilini Agampodi
Maggie Evans
Duleeka Knipe
Abey Rathnayake
Thilini Rajapakse
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13116-w

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