Does treatment matter? Domestic survivor´s experiences of treatment

Experiencing domestic violence causes significant suffering with both short- and long-term consequences. Reparative efforts are essential to prevent violence and mitigate harm and negative outcomes. In the current study, we examine support and treatment for women subjected to violence to identify factors that influence their well-being and ability to recover from violence. In this conference presentation, we will focus on the women´s expressed needs and their experiences of support and treatment.

The study is based on qualitative interviews with 16 women who have been subjected to violence and receive support and treatment from a social service unit. The study uses a pre- and post-design, which means that an initial interview was conducted when the treatment began, followed by a follow-up interview one year later.

Most women describe the treatment as highly significant for their recovery from the violence they have experienced. Factors highlighted as important included continuity and trust in the therapist, as well as the duration of the treatment, which in some cases extended beyond one year. In terms of content, assistance in understanding the violence was identified as important, as well as the opportunity to receive practical support, such as help with contacts, risk assessments and safety planning. The results also show factors outside the treatment context as significant for their recovery from violence. The social network was crucial for many, as well as economic security in the form of employment and housing.

The results show that the women's situations, needs, and expectations for treatment varied, as did the conditions for treatment, which underscores the importance of flexibility when providing support to victims of violence. Examples and implications for practice will be further discussed at the conference.