External barriers to help-seeking encountered by Canadian gay and lesbian victims of intimate partner abuse: an application of the barriers model.
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 specific 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.
St Pierre
Melissa
M
Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, ON, Canada. stpier4@uwindsor.ca
Senn
Charlene Y
CY
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002170:Canada; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012931:Social Environment; D012938:Social Perception; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult