Psychosocial Support Promoting Recovery Among Women Survivors of Domestic Violence After Separation in China: A...

Domestic violence remains a critical social issue with long-term impacts on women's well-being. Even after separation, women survivors still face multiple challenges in rebuilding their lives. Psychosocial support has been increasingly recognized as a key factor in facilitating recovery. This study employed a qualitative design to conduct semi-structured in-depth interviews with ten women survivors of domestic violence in China. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to explore how psychosocial support promotes their recovery after separation. The findings identified four interrelated forms of psychosocial support: emotional support, informational support, tangible support, and companionship support. Each type of support contributed to recovery through distinct but interconnected pathways, including emotional stabilization, enhanced decision-making capacity, reduction in material stress, and reconstruction of social connectedness. These forms of support were derived from both informal networks and formal systems. While formal support services were available, survivors mainly relied on informal support networks, with limited access to and utilization of formal resources. These findings highlight the need for more accessible, culturally responsive, and integrated psychosocial support systems. Strengthening formal services while recognizing the role of informal support networks is essential for promoting survivors' long-term recovery and well-being.