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Mothers’ Motivations for Intimate Partner Violence Help-Seeking

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine motivators for intimate partner violence (IPV) help-seeking among mothers. This qualitative study used English and Spanish-speaking focus groups and a grounded theory approach. Sixty-two mothers participated in eight groups. Motivators for IPV help-seeking fell into two broad categories, internal and external motivators. Although participants cited numerous motivators for IPV help-seeking, recognizing the negative effects of IPV on their children, labeling the partner’s behavior as abusive and the intervention of others were particularly important. For many participants, the effects of IPV on their children were the most important motivator. Few women made the decision to seek help without the encouragement of others. Unique to the Spanish-speaking participants was the influence of immigration status and limitations to disclosure created by using significant others as translators. Exploration of incorporating these motivators into IPV intervention efforts is warranted.

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Acknowledgement

Funding provided by grants through the University Pediatric Foundation at the University of Louisville and the Norton Community Health Fund. We gratefully acknowledge the staff and clients of the Center for Women and Families who made this study possible and Frances M. Chaar, MD, MSc for her assistance with Spanish translation and focus groups.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Emergency Medical Services, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA

    Kimberly A. Randell

  2. Kent School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA

    Linda K. Bledsoe

  3. Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA

    Purvi L. Shroff

  4. Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA

    Mary Clyde Pierce

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  1. Kimberly A. Randell
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  2. Linda K. Bledsoe
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  3. Purvi L. Shroff
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  4. Mary Clyde Pierce
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Correspondence to Kimberly A. Randell.

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Randell, K.A., Bledsoe, L.K., Shroff, P.L. et al. Mothers’ Motivations for Intimate Partner Violence Help-Seeking. J Fam Viol 27, 55–62 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-011-9401-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-011-9401-5

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