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Schucan Bird K, Stokes N, Rivas C, Tomlinson M, Delve M, Gordon L, Gregory A, Lawrence K, O’Reilly N. Training Informal Supporters to Improve Responses to Victim-Survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:1568-1584. [PMID: 37649408 PMCID: PMC10913311 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231189191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Informal supporters (friends, family, colleagues, and community members) play a crucial role in societal-wide responses to victim-survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Familial and social networks, however, report a sense of helplessness and difficulties in knowing how to respond. This mixed method systematic review examines the effectiveness, and perceived effectiveness, of training informal supporters to improve their responses to victim-survivors. A novel conceptual framework was developed to underpin the review. A systematic search of four electronic databases, specialist repositories, and websites were used to identify empirical research (in academic or gray literature). Eleven included studies examined educational interventions that aimed to improve responses from informal supporters. Quality appraisal was undertaken, and studies were judged to be "good enough" for synthesis. The studies in the review indicated that informal supporters recognized the value of training for building understanding and equipping them with the skills to respond to victim-survivors. The synthesis identified statistically significant improvements in the knowledge and attitudes of informal supporters in the immediate and short-term following training. Using a behavior change model to frame the evidence, the review found that training/educational activities prime informal supporters to respond to victim-survivors, as well as enhancing their capacity and motivation to do so. This increases the likelihood that informal supporters will take action to support victim-survivors of abuse. We don't know, however, what type of support they will provide and/or whether it would be judged to be helpful by victim-survivors.
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Bradshaw J, Gutowski ER, Nyenyezi K. Intimate Partner Violence Survivors' Perspectives on Coping With Family Court Processes. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:101-125. [PMID: 37807804 PMCID: PMC10666492 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231205586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Although intimate partner violence (IPV)-exposed mothers report distress during family court proceedings, no known research examines what helps them cope. We analyzed qualitative responses from 214 IPV-exposed mothers to the question of who/what helped during family court. Participants described (a) receiving social support, (b) accessing tools and resources, (c) modifying actions, thoughts, and emotions to adapt to a system that is not trauma-informed, (d) being believed/validated, and (e) managing post-separation family life as helpful. Participants also reported (f) barriers to navigating family law proceedings; a few expressed nothing helped. Findings support a trauma-informed, network-oriented approach to supporting family court-involved survivor mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Bradshaw
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ellen R. Gutowski
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kashoro Nyenyezi
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Wood L, Baumler E, Schrag RV, Guillot-Wright S, Hairston D, Temple J, Torres E. "Don't Know where to Go for Help": Safety and Economic Needs among Violence Survivors during the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2022; 37:959-967. [PMID: 33424111 PMCID: PMC7780076 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-020-00240-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and related quarantine has created additional problems for survivors of interpersonal violence. The purpose of this study is to gain a preliminary understanding of the health, safety, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people that are experiencing or have previously experienced violence, stalking, threats, and/or abuse. An online survey, open from April to June 2020, was taken by people with safety concerns from interpersonal violence. Participants were recruited from IPV and sexual assault-focused agencies, state coalitions, and social media. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive methods in SPSS and coding methods from thematic and content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data from open-ended questions. A total of 53 participants were recruited for the survey. Individuals with safety concerns have experienced increased challenges with health and work concerns, stress from economic instability, difficulties staying safe, and access resources and support. Over 40% of participants reported safety had decreased. Use of social media and avoidance strategies were the most common safety approaches used. Participants reported mixed experiences with virtual services. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing structural concerns for survivors of violence like IPV and sexual assault. Increased support and economic resource access, coupled with modified safety planning and improved virtual approaches, would better help meet survivor needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Wood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Violence Prevention, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-0587 USA
| | - Elizabeth Baumler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Violence Prevention, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-0587 USA
| | - Rachel Voth Schrag
- The University of Texas at Arlington, PO Box 19129, 211 South Cooper Street, Arlington, TX 76019-0129 USA
| | - Shannon Guillot-Wright
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Violence Prevention, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-0587 USA
| | - Dixie Hairston
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Violence Prevention, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-0587 USA
| | - Jeff Temple
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Violence Prevention, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-0587 USA
| | - Elizabeth Torres
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Violence Prevention, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-0587 USA
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