A Qualitative Assessment of Social Norms Related to Seeking Help for Intimate Partner Violence in Honduras

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue in Honduras and other low- and middle-income countries, with few victims seeking help. While structural factors, such as lack of services and economic barriers, are often cited as reasons for not seeking help, social and cultural factors may also play a role. This study aims to describe the normative social environment that may hinder women's help-seeking behaviors for IPV. Thematic analysis was conducted on data from four focus group discussions with 30 women at a busy health center in urban Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Data were coded inductively and themes were identified deductively using the theory of normative social behavior and its components (descriptive and injunctive social norms, expected outcomes, and groups of reference). Four themes emerged: social norms and expected outcomes that discourage IPV help-seeking; factors that determine the direction of a social norm, either discouraging or encouraging help-seeking; groups of reference for IPV victims; and society sets women up for failure. Social norms, expected outcomes, and groups of reference hinder women's help-seeking behavior after IPV. These findings have significant implications for designing effective interventions and policies to support women and their families affected by IPV.