How Race and Gender Stereotypes Influence Help-Seeking for Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated how stereotypes affect help-seeking behaviors for women in abusive relationships. It consisted of in-depth interviews of 15 female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV): five White and 10 African American women. It compared and contrasted the ways in which internalized stereotypes affected the IPV-related help-seeking of African American women and White women. The findings indicated that African American women were affected by the “strong Black woman” stereotype, did not utilize formal institutions for help, and instead, turned to close family and friends for support. White women were affected by stereotypes about IPV victims, felt less strain associated with utilizing formal support systems, and also utilized informal support networks. Results are interpreted and recommendations are developed through an intersectional Black feminist criminological theoretical framework.

Public Understanding of Coercive Control in Northern Ireland

“…Further, those who had experienced multiple types of abuse were more likely to seek help than those who had experienced psychological violence only. Such findings reflect much of the discussion within the theoretical literature regarding the challenges of meeting the needs of victims of coercive control and the intersectional barriers faced by many when seeking formal support (Donovan & Barnes, 2020 ; Monterrosa, 2019 ; Parry & O'Neal, 2015 ). It is also important to mention the key role of informal support sources in not only aiding victims but also in mediating abuse experiences through early identification or acting as a lynchpin to specialist services if, and when needed (Parker, 2015).…”

Help-Seeking to Cope With Experiences of Violence Among Women Living With HIV in Canada

“…Therefore, a potential mediating factor could be precarious legal status in Canada, deterring women from seeking help in fear of jeopardizing their legal status. Fear of having culturally insensitive care or being stereotyped ( Ghafournia & Easteal, 2019 ; Monterrosa, 2019 ) may further discourage women from speaking out ( Cho et al, 2020 ). Ultimately, as neither variable was selected for inclusion in the multivariable model, and we may have an underrepresentation of African, Caribbean, and Black women in this analysis (see Supplementary File 1), further investigation into legal barriers that may be deterring women from accessing services is needed.…”

Romantic (In)Justice: Criminal-Legal System-Impacted Black Women’s Romantic Relationship Status and Quality

“…Young African American women’s expectations to marry are lower than their white counterparts (Barr & Simons, 2012; Crissey, 2005;). Additionally, African American women report lower levels of satisfaction in their romantic relationships and experience higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) than other racial groups (Anyikwa, 2015; Broman, 2005; Monterrosa, 2019; Petrosky, 2017; Women of Color Network, 2006).…”