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Cited by 20Intimate Partner and Family ViolenceElder Abuse and NeglectChild Abuse and Trauma

What Do Abused Women Expect from Their Family Physicians? A Qualitative Study Among Women in Shelter Homes

Wester, Wietske, Wong, Sylvie Lo Fo, Lagro-Janssen, Antoine L. M.·2007·Women & Health
DOI 10.1300/j013v45n01_07
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To gain insight into the needs and expectations of abused women in shelter homes, with regard to family physicians. METHODS: Twelve women in two shelter homes were interviewed. The interview focused on women's experiences and expectations of family physicians regarding the abuse situation. RESULTS: Eight women did not disclose intimate partner abuse to their family physicians. The main reasons were shame and fear of retaliation. Six women suffered from extreme controlling behavior by their partners, which made it impossible to seek help. Four women were not aware of the relationship between abuse by a partner and physical symptoms. Women mainly wanted a solution for physical problems and were ambivalent about help to tackle their problems with abuse. The majority of the women found the family physician's attitude of great importance and considered it a task of the family physician to provide assistance. CONCLUSION: Although the family physician did not play an important role in solving the problems for victims of intimate partner abuse living in shelter homes, an open and empathic attitude was of great importance to these women. Women also expressed the need for assistance by their physician and emphasized that it was important to keep asking about partner abuse, even in case of denial.

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Crossref · 10.1300/j013v45n01_07

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20 of 20 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • UK studies show that doctors and nurses rarely ask about abuse, often fail to identify signs of domestic violence and abuse in their patients and may not know how to respond to a disclosure of abuse.

    “However, UK studies show that doctors and nurses rarely ask about abuse, often fail to identify signs of DVA in their patients and may not know how to respond to a disclosure of abuse.17,18”

    From Help‐seeking amongst women survivors of domestic violence: a qualitative study of pathways towards formal and informal support (2016) · cites this paper as [17]

  • Women often lack confidence that their primary care doctor or general practitioner can offer help, but those who do disclose abuse value the empathetic communication, validation of their situation and referral for additional help that may follow.

    “Women often lack confidence that their primary care doctor or general practitioner (GP) can offer help, but those who do disclose abuse value the empathetic communication, validation of their situation and referral for additional help that may follow.[17][18][19]”

    From Help‐seeking amongst women survivors of domestic violence: a qualitative study of pathways towards formal and informal support (2016) · cites this paper as [17]

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Authors
Wester, W., Wong, S. L. F., & Lagro-Janssen, A. L. M.
Affiliations
Radboud University Nijmegen (NL)
ORCID
Wong, Sylvie Lo Fo
Venue
Women & Health
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2007-06-20
Volume
45
Issue
1
Pages
105-119
ISSN
  • 0363-0242 (ISSN-L)
  • 1541-0331
DOI
10.1300/j013v45n01_07
OpenAlex
W2066806115
Cited by
20
References
20
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 1
FWCI
0.37
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Women & Health (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Radboud Repository (Radboud University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Health › Intimate Partner and Family Violence
  • Social Sciences › Demography › Elder Abuse and Neglect
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Abuse and Trauma
Keywords
intimate partner violence, battered women, shelter homes, general practitioners, physician expectations, disclosure of abuse, controlling behavior, physician empathy, abuse screening
MeSH terms
Adult, Family Practice, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Netherlands, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Professional-Patient Relations, Surveys and Questionnaires, Spouse Abuse, Truth Disclosure, Women's Health, Battered Women, Narration

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