Background
38,000 women and 19,000 men are exposed to physical partner violence every year, and 2.5 percent of the Danish population between the ages of 16-64 have been exposed to psychological partner violence within the last year. In 2018, 2,019 women were enrolled in a shelter. 98 percent had been exposed to psychological violence, while 86 percent had been exposed to physical violence. In 2014, 108 men were enrolled in a shelter. 28 percent had been exposed to psychological violence in their recent relationship, while 18 percent had been exposed to physical violence. In addition, 10,000 women contact a hotline annually for help and advice on domestic violence, while 5,064 men in 2014 contacted a hotline because they were experiencing a life crisis.
Based on these figures, there must be many victims of violence who do not turn to authorities or organizations for help when they are exposed to partner violence.
Purpose
The aim of the study is:
- To gain different perspectives on why women and men who are exposed to physical or psychological partner violence do not seek help from authorities or organizations, and to gain knowledge about the reasons why these people do not seek help.
- To gain knowledge about how these victims of violence perceive violent actions and what significance the perceptions of these actions, as being violent or non-violent, can have for the way they deal with the experiences.
Method
The data used consists of 10-15 in-depth semi-structured interviews with men and women aged 25+ who have been exposed to physical and / or psychological violence. The interviews are conducted either face-to-face or by telephone.
Recruitment of informants will primarily take place via postings on social media, including closed support groups for victims of violence on Facebook, and on Facebook and / or websites of organizations working with victims of violence.
Project period
The project runs from January 1st,2021 until December 31st, 2022. The research results will be published in a report at the end of the project period. In addition, data will also be included in a PhD thesis regarding experiences with psychological violence.
Collaboration and funding
The project is funded by the Department of Equal Opportunities in Denmark.