The Views of Women in Prison about Help-Seeking for Intimate Partner Violence: At the Intersection of Survivor and Offender

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most prevalent form of violence against women, with particularly high rates of victimization experienced by those who are involved in the justice system. For women leaving prison, the dual status of ‘survivor’ and ‘offender’ introduces a range of additional factors that have the potential to limit access to those services that can keep them safe. In this qualitative study, 22 women in an Australian women’s prison discussed help-seeking for IPV. The analysis of their experiences highlights the importance of providing services that address multiple determinants of help-seeking in ex-prisoners.