Coping Strategies of Women Intimate Partner Violence Survivors: Perspectives of Service Providers

Abstract

ABSTRACT Several studies have focused on understanding coping strategies from the standpoint of women Intimate Partner Violence survivors. This study builds on these insights by exploring service providers’ perspectives about Intimate Partner Violence coping strategies. The study extends the empirical evidence about IPV coping strategies by investigating how service providers understand and describe survivors’ coping strategies, what external support resources they perceive as essential for coping with Intimate Partner Violence, as well as factors service providers discuss as key influencers shaping survivors’ choices in relation to coping strategies and seeking external support. Drawing on intersectional theory, coloniality, and feminist thought, the study used semi-structured interviews to explore the questions posed. Findings from the study suggest that service providers understand survivors’ coping strategies as the personal methods used in dealing with abuse and describe these methods as physical isolation, resistance, minimization, hope, as well as alcohol and drug use. Counselling programs and shelter systems are perceived as essential resources for coping with IPV. However, financial dependence, religion, and limited access to education are barriers that prevent survivors from accessing external services thereby informing their choice of internal coping strategies.