NCJ Number
216578
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 21 Issue: 5 Dated: July 2006 Pages: 311-320
Date Published
July 2006
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effectiveness of support networks in helping rural women suffering from partner abuse and explored the behaviors of supportive and nonsupportive persons in rural settings.
Abstract
Behaviors of supportive persons included helping abused women find resources, including extended informal and formal supportive networks. Nonsupportive persons were found to hinder access to resources and worked to keep women within their abusive relationships. In order to be effective, supportive persons need to provide abused rural women with information and advice in a nonjudgmental manner in addition to providing emotional and physical support. Among the problems reported by abused women, isolation was the most common. This isolation included no access to a vehicle or telephone as well as physical isolation in rural areas. Advocates in rural settings are encouraged to work with individuals, agencies, organizations, churches, and workplaces to set up networks where abused women can find support and guidance. Research methodology involved randomly selecting 10 of the most rural counties in Kansas. Volunteer participants were recruited through the assistance of K-State Research and Extension agents who recruited rural women who had suffered partner abuse through community stores and doctor's offices. Face-to-face interviews with the abused women focused on partner abuse and the availability and effectiveness of support. Data analysis involved both a content analysis for emerging themes and regression analyses. Tables, references