Intimate Partner Violence in Vulnerable Contexts: A Case Study

Abstract

A case study of domestic abuse is presented from the perspective of the socio-structural basis of gender violence. The research analyzes gender violence based on the accounts of a group of 30 women who have suffered abuse and have filed reports at the Judicial Unit for victims of domestic violence in the city of Cuenca (Ecuador). Survivors agreed to express their voices and experiences voluntarily and in a natural context. The results demonstrate, on one hand, the enormous weight of social pressure and stereotypes, with the resulting fear, guilt, and sense of helplessness. On the other hand, the guarantees of safety and assistance from the institutions that should protect them have not always been within reach, nor have they been sufficient.

Protective factors for the risk of suffering intimate partner violence in help-seeking women survivors from a social organization in Chile

“…Decision to abandon the legal procedure correlates with less social support ( Abarca, 2013 ). Being ashamed of failure, developing tolerance towards violent behavior and psychological or economic dependence can contribute to this risk ( Eze-Ajoku et al, 2022 ; Johnson et al, 2022 ; Mañas et al, 2023 ). Perceived support is strongly associated with better mental health ( Matud et al, 2009 ; Ogbe et al, 2020 ).…”