Citation

Nichols EM, Bonomi AE, Kammes R, Miller E. J. Am. Coll. Health 2018; 66(6): 487-495.

Affiliation

Division of Adolescent Medicine , Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC , Pittsburgh , PA 15213 , United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2018.1440572

PMID

29447585

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine mental health service experiences following sexual violence (SV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization among college women with a disability. PARTICIPANTS: College women (n = 27, ages 19 to 24) with a disability who experienced at least one SV/IPV occurrence; interviewed July/August 2016.

METHODS: Qualitative study using in-depth interviews, with thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Women tended to wait several months (or did not seek care at all) following SV/IPV, because they downplayed their experience (e.g., not wanting to label an experience as "rape"). Those seeking services primarily did so because of escalating mental health concerns. Among service seekers, women were satisfied when professionals validated their experiences/concerns; and were dissatisfied when faced with extended wait time for care and/or professionals unskilled with SV/IPV and mental health. However, women still sought care following negative experiences.

CONCLUSIONS: Improved access to integrated care for SV/IPV and mental health, along with skilled professionals, is essential.

Language: en

Keywords

College students; disability; intimate partner violence; service utilization; sexual violence