title: Exploring the perceptions of domestic violence service providers in rural localities.
abstract: This exploratory study uses a nonprobability purposive sample to investigate the perceptions of domestic violence service providers in rural regions of North Carolina and Virginia. Investigators gathered data incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were retrieved through the development and distribution of a self-administered survey targeting service provider perceptions about the general public, consumers of services, self-perceptions, and perceptions related to inter- and intra-agency issues. Qualitative data were collected to provide further elaboration on the topic through the use of a focus group composed of rural service providers. The focus group was facilitated by the investigators. Findings identified deficits in public knowledge, agency resources, and community resources, and professional development as being the most problematic issues. Victims were perceived as having to face multiple issues and barriers when seeking services. Implications of these findings are discussed as well as the need for continued research efforts.
authors.affiliation: East Carolina University, USA.
authors.forename: Brenda J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Eastman
authors.forename: Shelia G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Bunch
authors.forename: A Hamilton
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Lena W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Carawan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009657:North Carolina / Q000453:epidemiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019037:Urban Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014505:Urban Population; D014768:Virginia / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health