The lived experience of women victims of intimate partner violence.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to gain a better understanding of the lived experience of female victims of intimate partner violence. Background.  Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex and prevalent social problem associated with significant impairment in the physical and psychological health of victims.


METHODS
Exploratory, qualitative design.


METHODS
Face-to-face interviews were conducted among nine IPV female victims who presented themselves at an emergency department of a regional hospital. Data were subject to thematic analysis.


RESULTS
Victims are often ashamed to disclose their situation and reluctant to seek help, afraid of being ridiculed or ignored. Violent experiences also lead to low self-esteem, depression, and suicidal ideas. They are ambivalent about staying in an abusive relationship and endure violent incidents in silence until they cannot tolerate any more and seek help at an emergency department. They have negative experiences in help-seeking: other family members and health professionals coloured by cultural restraints generally ignore their complaints and need for help.


CONCLUSIONS
Provided a preliminary understanding of the experience of Chinese women in Hong Kong. In support of these women's help-seeking behaviours, continuing education programmes are needed to better prepare health professionals for caring for these women.


CONCLUSIONS
Health professionals should be astute in identifying IPV victims with whom they come into contact at work. They should assess the immediate physical and emotional needs of these women, be empathetic, show acceptance, extend a helping hand and assess home safety before discharge.
School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong. hsaloke@polyu.edu.hk
Alice Yuen
AY
Loke
Mei Lan Emma
ML
Wan
Mark
M
Hayter
D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult