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A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Help-Seeking Processes Among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

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American Journal of Community Psychology

Abstract

This paper suggests a conceptual framework for understanding the processes of help-seeking among survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). A cognitive theory from general literature on help-seeking in “stigmatizing” situations suggests three relevant processes or stages of seeking help in the IPV context: defining the problem, deciding to seek help, and selecting a source of support. Individual, interpersonal, and sociocultural factors that influence decision-making at each of these stages are discussed and illustrated with case examples.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Lynch School of Education, Boston College, Campion 314, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, 02461

    Belle Liang, Lisa Goodman & Sarah Weintraub

  2. Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C.

    Pratyusha Tummala-Narra

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  1. Belle Liang
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  2. Lisa Goodman
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  3. Pratyusha Tummala-Narra
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  4. Sarah Weintraub
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Correspondence to Belle Liang.

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Liang, B., Goodman, L., Tummala-Narra, P. et al. A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Help-Seeking Processes Among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence. Am J Community Psychol 36, 71–84 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10464-005-6233-6

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