Help-Seeking Among Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Thailand: A Qualitative Research Study

Limited evidence exists on help-seeking, access, and use of support services and resources by survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Thailand. This study uses qualitative descriptive methods to explore help-seeking behaviors of adult (18 years and older) Thai women who reported IPV in the past 6 months. Twenty-seven women were recruited through social media and consented to participate in a confidential interview conducted via telephone. The interview data was analyzed using content analysis. Findings found that survivors' perceptions of help-seeking varied, with participants recognizing potential support from members of their social network while also viewing IPV as a private matter. Fear of blame and encouragement to end relationships were identified as barriers to seeking help. Positive experiences with help-seeking included feeling empowered, prioritizing health, safety planning, and encouragement to seek formal support, such as healthcare providers and crisis centers. Factors delaying formal help-seeking included experiencing emotional abuse only, concern for children, cultural attitudes, and a lack of awareness about resources. Situation severity and support from friends and family influenced help-seeking behaviors. Strategies to increase help-seeking behaviors included educating survivors and their support networks and using technology to improve resource accessibility. These findings suggested that multi-professionals and policymakers should understand the complexities of help-seeking behaviors and provide culturally appropriate IPV and mental health resources. Further research and tailored interventions are needed to enhance help-seeking behaviors and reduce stigma among Thai IPV survivors.