Survivors' Identification of Protective Factors and Early Warning Signs for Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

An exploratory, qualitative study generated hypotheses about women in violent heterosexual relationships: reasons women stay, what helps end the violence, barriers, potential early warning signs, resources, racial differences, and location differences. Twenty-two focus groups of urban and rural African American and White women in five U.S. regions were convened. Participants were at least 18 years of age, had experienced physical violence in intimate relationships, and had been free of violence for at least 6 months. Findings provide insights and tangible suggestions for social institutions to help victims. The findings suggest a need for health communications messages and interventions to help others vulnerable to abuse.