Support-Seeking and Quality of Life in Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Previous research suggests that women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) report severe physical and mental health consequences, as well as poor quality of life. One approach to dealing with the negative effects of IPV is for women to seek support through informal support networks, such as family and friends, and formal support services, such as shelters, counselling programs, and social assistance. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between informal support, use of formal services, and quality of life, using a diverse sample of Canadian women who experienced IPV. Data analysis was conducted to explore two hypotheses. It was hypothesized that: 1) satisfaction with informal support would be predictive of better quality of life, above the effects of demographic characteristics (i.e., age, cultural background, education level, employment status, total income in past year, and number of children), experiences of abuse (i.e., severity of childhood abuse, severity of IPV), and number of informal and formal supports accessed; and 2) satisfaction with formal support would be predictive of better quality of life, above the effects of demographic characteristics (i.e., age, cultural background, education level, employment status, total income in past year, and number of children), experiences of abuse (i.e., severity of childhood abuse, severity of IPV), and number of informal and formal supports accessed. A supplementary analysis was also conducted to explore the relationship between experiences of childhood abuse and satisfaction with support received from informal networks and formal services. Data were analyzed from a larger research project known as “The Healing Journey: A Longitudinal Study of Women Affected by Intimate Partner Violence.” Results suggest that satisfaction with informal support and formal services was significantly associated with better quality of life. In addition, employment status was associated with better quality of life, while severity of childhood abuse experienced and cultural background were found to be significantly associated with lower quality of life. Explanations of findings, as well as scientific and clinical implications, are addressed. This study will add to the existing research literature and aid in the development of resources and services for women seeking refuge from IPV.