title: Experiences of health and health care among women exposed to intimate partner violence: qualitative findings from Germany.
abstract: Through qualitative interviews with six female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Germany, we explored their experiences with health and health care within the context of a universal access health system. Using phenomenological analysis, we learned that they view violence as a burden on health; expect health professionals to acknowledge the link between IPV and health with empathy; and experience barriers to acute mental health services despite a lack of financial barriers in seeking treatment. We discuss how our findings compare with other international research, as well as the implications for the health care system's response to IPV.
authors.affiliation: a Institute for Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany.
authors.forename: Mandi M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krohn
authors.forename: Klaus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Püschel
authors.forename: Dragana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Seifert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011320:Primary Health Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012944:Social Support; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology