Influence of Cultural Norms on Formal Service Engagement Among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative Meta-synthesis

Abstract

For victim-survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), receiving help from formal services such as specialist family violence, health, or criminal justice services can be critical for their safety and well-being. Previous research has found cross-cultural differences in the rates of help-seeking behavior, with women from non-Anglo-Saxon communities less likely to seek formal help than Anglo-Saxon populations. This qualitative meta-synthesis has integrated qualitative evidence to examine the relationship between specific cultural norms and formal service engagement for female victim-survivors of IPV from non-Anglo-Saxon communities. A comprehensive search of seven databases was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published between 1985 to May 2021, in addition to searching gray literature. Thirty-five articles met the criteria for inclusion, representing 1,286 participants from 20 cultural groups. Based on a thematic synthesis approach, five key themes that captured specific cultural norms that influence formal service engagement were identified: (1) gender roles and social expectations, (2) community recognition and acceptance of abuse, (3) honor-based society, (4) the role of religion, and (5) cultural beliefs and attitudes toward formal services. These findings have important implications for responses to family violence, particularly concerning family violence education for non-Anglo-Saxon ethnically diverse communities and best-practice strategies to improve the cultural relevancy of formal service providers.

Profiles of service-engaged intimate partner violence survivors: Considerations for service delivery and continuation.

“…These cultural norms are fundamental in guiding service engagement and continuation in response to IPV experiences (Green et al, 2024). Research has identified specific cultural beliefs that may influence service engagement, including fatalism and traditional gender roles (Green et al, 2024). Studies also indicate that IPV stigma, influenced by cultural messages, may impact access to services (e.g., Overstreet & Quinn, 2013).…”

“…Unfortunately, few survivors seek formal help (i.e., help from an institution or organization), and many discontinue services prematurely (i.e., they disengage from services before they can fully benefit or before reaching the recommended duration; Craven et al, 2023). Many factors, including stigma, cultural beliefs, and the abusive experiences themselves, play a crucial role in service engagement (Green et al, 2024; Overstreet & Quinn, 2013). While vast knowledge exists on the factors preventing help-seeking behaviors (Robinson et al, 2021), less is known about the characteristics of women who access formal support.…”

“…Hypermasculinity dictates how men should act in relation to women and their families (Cuéllar et al, 1995). Some studies have found that women with IPV experiences who endorse hypermasculinity ideologies are less likely to engage in services (Green et al, 2024). Although hypermasculinity ideology is prevalent in all societies (Aymer, 2011; Bui & Morash, 2008), its endorsement varies by individual based on their cultural exposure to masculine gender ideology messages (Lelaurain et al, 2021; Marrs Fuchsel et al, 2012).…”

“…Given the exploratory nature of this study and the limited prior empirical evidence on profiles of service-engaged IPV survivors, this analysis explored women’s characteristics pertaining to their socioeconomic status and cultural group. The literature, albeit scant, suggests that having a lower socioeconomic status and belonging to a racial and ethnically minoritized group are related to endorsing traditional gender roles and fatalistic views (Green et al, 2024; Sokoloff & Dupont, 2005; Vidales, 2010) and that a positive correlation between these cultural beliefs and IPV stigma exists (Cardenas, 2023).…”

Édouard Louis´s novel The End of Eddy: A representation of hegemonic masculinity?

“…Overall, literature reflects and reinforces the cultural norms and power structures associated with hegemonic masculinities, shaping societal perceptions and behaviours. Liu et al (2022) or Green, Satyen, & Toumbourou (2024) state that cultural norms play a significant role in literature, influencing translation practices and the portrayal of characters. Al-Fouzan (2019) adds that translators face challenges when dealing with culture-specific references, often resorting to adaptation by deletion, replacement, or addition to bridge cultural gaps.…”