Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Barriers to help-seeking for older women who experience intimate partner violence: a descriptive model
Richard L Beaulaurier1, Laura R Seff, Frederick L Newman
1School of Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8 St., GL 415, Miami, FL 33175, USA. beau@fiu.edu
Purpose:
The paper describes a model of barriers to help-seeking (MBHS) for older women who experience domestic violence (DV).
Design And Methods:
Data were collected from 134 women ages 45 to 85 years in 21 focus groups. Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (ATLAS.ti) was used to organize transcript analysis and provided access to the quotations upon which codes, themes, relationship maps, and other elements of the analysis were constructed.
Results:
Twelve themes emerged that showed strong relationships with experience of DV and barriers to help-seeking concepts. The resulting model of barriers to help-seeking (MBHS) illustrates how identified internal and external factors interrelate with each other and with an abuser's behaviors to create help-seeking barriers. The model also reflects the determination that, for study participants, there was no discernable point where characteristics of the experience of DV ended and resistance to help-seeking began.
Implications:
Development of services specifically suitable to the needs and desires of older women who experience DV is vital. Professionals in all service segments must more fully understand the help-seeking barriers that older DV victims face. To this end, the research community is challenged to replace myths and stereotypes about the nature and prevalence of DV among older people with empirically derived knowledge.
Related Concept Videos
Bystander Effect
Relationship Formation
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Horney's Sociocultural Approach
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Frustration and Conflict: Avoidance-Avoidance, Double-Approach Avoidance
