Abuse in same-sex relationships: An exploration of barriers to help-seeking in rural and urban Canada
Year: 2008
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Abuse in same-sex relationships exists at significant rates, warranting attention from researchers. However, research on the help-seeking behaviours of rural and urban victims of same-sex partner abuse in Canada is lacking. Using online survey methodology, this project explored two different barriers to help-seeking for victims of same-sex partner abuse: access to general (e.g., general counselor) and same-sex specific (e.g., gay/lesbian domestic violence program) services, and experiences of minority stress (degree of outness, experiences of discrimination, and ethnic minority group status). The findings suggest that additional resources for GLBT victims of same-sex partner abuse are needed, especially in rural areas in Canada. Degree of outness and experiences of past discrimination were found to have an impact on willingness to seek help and efforts toward help-seeking and/or number of times help was sought. Additionally, other contextual factors were found to influence the help-seeking process.
Author: Melissa St. Pierre
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2996003076