Three steps forward, two steps back: Personal health perceptions and needs of female domestic abuse victims and their access and utilization of health services

Using semi-structured interviewing of female domestic abuse survivors and health care providers, this study investigated relationships between female domestic abuse victims' (1) abusive environments, (2) health perceptions and needs, and (3) access to and use of health care services. The results provide evidence that the abusive partner and the health care system are the two major barriers that women face in seeking medical attention for abuseand non-abuse-related illnesses. Moreover, victims who are mothers reported experiencing slower rates of recovery from abuse and lower overall health status than victims who did not have children. Health care provider interview data indicate a pattern connecting victim perceived health with the victim's confiding of abuse to the provider. Additionally, data reveal issues surrounding the health care providers' frustration in treating victims who remain silent about their abuse and the empowerment that victims receive from confiding their abuse.