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Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 4/2019

01-08-2019 | Review Paper

Intimate Partner Violence and Help-Seeking Behaviour: A Systematic Review of Cross-Cultural Differences

Authors: Lata Satyen, Amiee C. Rogic, Meu Supol

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 4/2019

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Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an issue that affects women across all cultures. It is essential to understand how women could be assisted to prevent and reduce the effects of violence. This systematic review examined studies that made cross-cultural comparisons of differences in help-seeking behaviour of women who have experienced IPV. Databases including the Cochrane Library, PsychInfo and others were searched for literature published between 1988 and 2016. Seventeen articles with a total of 40,904 participants met the inclusion criteria. This review found some differences in the procurement of support across cultural groups. While Caucasian women were more likely to seek assistance from formal services such as mental health and social services, Latina/Hispanic and African-American women were more likely to utilize other types of formal supports such as hospital and law enforcement services. The findings regarding utilization of informal support systems showed mixed results. Overall, the findings of this systematic review suggest that women from culturally diverse minority backgrounds should be educated and encouraged to access support before and after experiencing IPV. Further, potential barriers to help-seeking need to be identified and addressed across women from all cultures.
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Metadata
Title
Intimate Partner Violence and Help-Seeking Behaviour: A Systematic Review of Cross-Cultural Differences
Authors
Lata Satyen
Amiee C. Rogic
Meu Supol
Publication date
01-08-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-018-0803-9

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