Exploring the Perceptions of Domestic Violence Service Providers in Rural Localities

Abstract

This exploratory study uses a nonprobability purposive sample to investigate the perceptions of domestic violence service providers in rural regions of North Carolina and Virginia. Investigators gathered data incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were retrieved through the development and distribution of a self-administered survey targeting service provider perceptions about the general public, consumers of services, self-perceptions, and perceptions related to inter- and intra-agency issues. Qualitative data were collected to provide further elaboration on the topic through the use of a focus group composed of rural service providers. The focus group was facilitated by the investigators. Findings identified deficits in public knowledge, agency resources, and community resources, and professional development as being the most problematic issues. Victims were perceived as having to face multiple issues and barriers when seeking services. Implications of these findings are discussed as well as the need for continued research efforts.

Interpersonal Violence Against People With Disabilities: Understanding the Problem From a Rural Context

“…Physical isolation and social isolation contribute to both IPV and the response to the violence (Eastman, Bunch, Williams, & Carawan, 2007;Grama, 2000;Hilbert & Krishnan, 2000;Krishnan, Hilbert, & VanLeeuwen, 2001;Lanier & Maume, 2009;Logan, Walker, Cole, Ratliff, & Leukefeld, 2003;Schaffer, 1999;Shepard, 2005;Shuman et al, 2008;Teaster, Roberto, & Dugar, 2006;Turner, 2005). Geographic isolation decreases the likelihood that women will be aware of and able to access resources.…”

Feminicídios Rurais: Uma Análise De Gênero

“…Especificamente na violência em localidades rurais, as mulheres enfrentam obstáculos que não existem em áreas urbanas. O isolamento geográfico coloca a população rural em desvantagem no que diz respeito ao acesso a serviços públicos, aumentando o estado de vulnerabilidade das mulheres, que se deparam com uma agressão dentro de seu próprio domicílio e não dispõem de apoio para enfrentar as barreiras e os problemas decorrentes da falta de informação, assim como a ausência de serviços prestados por profissionais que compreendam a dinâmica social da área rural (17) . O espaço delimitado para este estudo é caracterizado, portanto, pelas condições apontadas.…”

Backward, Dumb, and Violent Hillbillies? Rural Geographies and Intersectional Studies on Intimate Partner Violence

“…Several subsequent studies on rural IPV employ Websdale's theories on rural patriarchy, pointing to traditionalism and stereotypical gender relations in rural regions as contexts and explanations for the violence (Brownridge, 2009;DeKeseredy & Schwartz, 2009;Eastman, Bunch, Williams & Carawan, 2007;Pruitt, 2008;Sudderth, 2006). DeKeseredy & Schwartz (2009, p.13), for example, discuss the existence of "a powerful ol' boys network" whereby men in the local rural community support and condone the violence of other local men.…”