RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE STIGMA AND HELP SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG MARRIED WOMEN

Abstract

Background: The present research explored the relationship between stigma associated with intimate partner violence and help-seeking behavior among married women residing in Islamabad. Violence within intimate relationships remains a widespread problem that can negatively influence women's psychological health, overall quality of life, and ability to obtain support when needed. Social stigma often creates fear, shame, and hesitation, preventing many affected women from reaching out for assistance through formal or informal channels.

Method: For this study, 150 married women from different regions of Islamabad were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were obtained through the Intimate Partner Violence Stigma Scale (IPVSS, Crowe et al., 2015) and the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ, Wilson et al., 2005) first subscale related to personal and emotional problems was utilized.

Result: Findings from the Pearson correlation test disclosed a significant counter relationship between intimate partner violence stigma and help seeking behavior (r = -.52, p < .01). This indicates that as perceptions of stigma increased, the likelihood of seeking help decreased. The results emphasize that stigma remains a substantial challenge that limits support-seeking among married women who suffer intimate partner violence.

Conclusion: Victims of intimate partner violence will be less prone to look for assistance regarding their psychological and emotional problems.