Citation

Shen ACT. J. Interpers. Violence 2011; 26(7): 1343-1365.

Affiliation

National Taiwan University, Taipei, Republic of China.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0886260510369130

PMID

20522889

Abstract

This article presents a qualitative analysis regarding the help-seeking behaviors of female dating-violence victims from a cultural perspective. A semistructured, in-depth interview was used to collect data from 10 female victims (aged 20-28). Findings indicate that Taiwanese dating-violence victims tend to seek informal help rather than formal help. Culturally structured help-seeking experiences center around six primary themes: (a) self-reliant culture, (b) personal and family shame, (c) secretive and sexual dating relationships, (d) fear of negative reactions from others, (e) unfamiliarity with available resources, and (f) revictimization in seeking help. Understanding cultural meanings and barriers encountered in help-seeking behaviors is an important step in effectively assisting victims of dating violence.

Language: en