The influences of sociocultural norms on women's decision to disclose intimate partner violence: Integrative review

Abstract

Sociocultural norms against women can contribute to promoting intimate partner violence (IPV) and shape women's decision to disclose IPV. A cross‐cultural analysis of the existing literature is needed to present an overview of the influences of sociocultural norms on women's decisions regarding the disclosure of IPV across different cultural contexts. The purpose of the review was to synthesize published quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods (MMs) studies to identify known sociocultural norms across different cultures that may influence women's decision to disclose IPV. The Whittemore and Knafl framework, Rayyan software, and PRISMA flow diagram were used. Databases included APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, PubMed, SocINDEX, and Women's Studies International. The quality of studies was assessed by the MMs appraisal tool. A total of 15 research articles written in English and published in peer‐reviewed journals were included. Main categories emerged: (1) stigma surrounding IPV disclosure, victimization, and divorce; (2) gender roles; (3) preserving family honor; and (4) Children's well‐being and future. A one‐size‐fits‐all approach is not adequate for women who are considering disclosing IPV. Findings underscore that regardless of residing in individualistic countries, those sociocultural norms related to traditional gender roles and gender inequality are still important barriers to the disclosure of IPV among women with collectivist roots.

Intimate partner violence in India: Patterns, causes and way forward

“…The promotion of gender inequity and accepted traditional gender roles through sociocultural norms poses significant obstacles to the disclosure of intimate partner violence (IPV) in diverse cultural contexts, particularly in collectivist settings. The following four major categories emerged and were consistent with the body of knowledge: (1) the stigma associated with disclosure, victimisation, and divorce of intimate partner violence; (2) gender roles; (3) upholding family honour; and (4) the future and well-being of children (Güler et al, 2023).…”

Women’s healthcare must be trauma informed to remove access barriers

“…Gender based violence is framed by war, conflicts, crises, structural forms of violence, silencing, and the overall geopolitical and historic-cultural system, which means that inequality for women is universal in its presence 3. There are symbols and signs in a society that affect how women who survive gender based violence individually embody and narrate their experiences 4. The psychological effects of traumas related to gender based violence are well recognised 5…”