How Race and Gender Stereotypes Influence Help-Seeking for Intimate Partner Violence

This qualitative study investigated how stereotypes affect help-seeking behaviors for women in abusive relationships. It consisted of in-depth interviews of 15 female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV): five White and 10 African American women. It compared and contrasted the ways in which internalized stereotypes affected the IPV-related help-seeking of African American women and White women. The findings indicated that African American women were affected by the "strong Black woman" stereotype, did not utilize formal institutions for help, and instead, turned to close family and friends for support. White women were affected by stereotypes about IPV victims, felt less strain associated with utilizing formal support systems, and also utilized informal support networks. Results are interpreted and recommendations are developed through an intersectional Black feminist criminological theoretical framework.