Little research has focused on the trauma healing processes of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) worldwide. Even less research has utilized cross-cultural comparison to understand shared or culturally-distinct healing goals, creating a gap in understanding how to provide adequate, culturally relevant, and trauma-informed care to survivors. The purpose of this study was to cross-culturally compare shared healing influences and themes of the trauma recovery process in samples of Irish and American female survivors of GBV. To gather healing data, an ethnographic narrative interview was used with 19 American and 12 Irish female survivors who self-identified as having experienced GBV. Thematic analysis was used to examine and compare desired healing outcomes, focusing on the definitions, influences, and meanings of healing experiences. Our analysis revealed shared healing objectives of reconnecting to the self, others, and the world. Within reconnecting with the self, shared themes included regaining control and feelings of competency. Within reconnecting to others, shared themes included building and maintaining relationships, living one’s life authentically, and feeling heard and understood. Within reconnecting to the world, shared themes included feelings of serenity, finding fulfillment, and having hope for a brighter future. Although these themes were shared, the way they manifested in each culture was often different. A vital component of the healing dynamic in the Irish sample was survivors’ mothering responsibilities and feelings of unconditional devotion to their children. Conversely, the American sample focused on personal growth and resolving feelings of weakness. This information reveals shared as well as cultural nuances of important healing objectives following GBV. The present study’s results can be used to create culturally sensitive and relevent healing spaces for survivors. These results can also inform intervention and messaging strategies aimed at promoting healing in these populations.

Research on effectiveness and satisfaction with domestic violence (DV) services is aimed at women who have accessed these services, leaving us little information about those who believe they cannot or choose not to do so. In addition, this research focuses exclusively on the structural barriers to access of information, or navigating systems to escape the abusive situation. Few studies have examined the sociocultural barriers to help seeking, either for escape from violence or for healing after safety has been established. This study uses mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to understand the healing journeys of 21 women receiving DV services in a rural region of Ireland. Qualitative findings reveal persistent physical and emotional symptoms years after establishing safety, feeling “frozen,” stigma and social conflict, and social isolation. Quantitative analysis to determine the relationship of symptoms, social support, and social conflict to help-seeking barriers finds no relationship with structural barriers. However, sociocultural barriers such as shame, hopelessness, social conflict, and feeling “frozen” were related. A trauma-informed nursing practice model is proposed, and implications for intervention and health policy are suggested.

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