NARRATIVE ACCOUNTS OF TRACKING THE RURAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS' JOURNEY: A FEMINIST APPROACH

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Abstract
This research represents the first stage of a project to determine the level of use and effectiveness of informal support networks utilised by Australian rural women. We used a feminist narrative approach with semistructured interviews and a convenience sample of 26 rural women. Only 9 out of 12 women's stories are presented. We found that poverty and geographical, social, and emotional isolation resulted in the privatisation of abuse. Women were triggered to leave the family home when their children, friends, or family became victims of the abuse. They planned their escape by telephone with support of friends and family. Although they used these informal supports, the participants paradoxically expected a high level of expertise in domestic violence knowledge and skills. We recommend an integrated multilevel model of support for rural women in violent intimate relationships and their informal supporters.

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