Breaking the Silence: Social Workers on Barriers to Domestic Violence Disclosure

Description

Page: 220-226

Arpana Beniwal, Vanita Sondhi, and Noyonika Datta Banik (Department of Applied Psychology, Vivekanand College, University of Delhi, Delhi)

Disclosure of domestic violence has many barriers both personal and social which make seeking help very challenging. A qualitative study using 10 CAW Cell social workers as subjects was designed to capture their perspectives towards the barriers faced by victims of domestic violence. The data was collected using a semi-structured interview method and results obtained were subjected to thematic analysis. Social workers reported that controlling behaviour, economic abuse, and violence by the in-laws were the main factors for the manifestation of domestic violence. The deterring factors for disclosure of violence were identified as stigma, parental influence, and lack of awareness. According to the social workers increasing awareness and undertaking initiatives helps to overcome barriers to disclosure. Regarding the working of the CAW cell social workers identified societal perceptions, family pressures, and delays due to the IOs and legal processes as major challenges. Emotional support, woman-centric assistance, and developmental counselling were reported as positive outcomes.