Title
External barriers to help-seeking encountered by canadian gay and lesbian victims of intimate partner abuse: An application of the Barriers Model
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3463-5704
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2010
Publication Title
Violence and Victims
Volume
25
Issue
4
First Page
536
Last Page
552
DOI
10.1891/0886-6708.25.4.536
Keywords
Accessibility of formal services, Availability of formal services, Gay and lesbian intimate partner abuse, Outness
Abstract
While understanding of intimate partner abuse (IPA) in gay and lesbian relationships has increased within the past decade, there remain several gaps in the help-seeking research. In particular, research examining the external barriers to help-seeking encountered by gay and lesbian victims of IPA has been largely atheoretical. To address this gap, an application of The Barriers Model was undertaken. This mixed-methods study surveyed 280 gay, lesbian, and/or queer participants living in Canada. Findings revealed that victims encountered external barriers in the environment (i.e., Layer 1 of the model), such as lack of availability of gay and lesbian specifi c services. Results also suggested that barriers due to family/socialization/role expectations (i.e., Layer 2 of the model), such as concealment of sexual orientation, had an impact on help-seeking. © 2010 Springer Publishing Company.
Recommended Citation
Pierre, Melissa St and Senn, Charlene Y.. (2010). External barriers to help-seeking encountered by canadian gay and lesbian victims of intimate partner abuse: An application of the Barriers Model. Violence and Victims, 25 (4), 536-552.
https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/psychologypub/75