Strengthening support services for women who experience intimate partner violence and gambling harm

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Author(s): O'Mullan, Catherine ; Hing, Nerilee ; Nuske, Elaine ; Breen, Helen ; Mainey, Lydia

Journal: BMC Public Health

Year Published: 2022

Date Added: July 06, 2022

Women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) and gambling harm often have complex support needs. Yet, little is known about their experiences of using health and social support services. In this study, interviews took place with 48 women who experienced IPV linked to a male partner’s gambling and 24 women who experienced IPV linked to their own gambling. The aim of this study was to identify how services could be strengthened to better meet the needs of these women. Three themes were identified. The first theme was the need for integrated and holistic responses from services. The second theme was the need for person-centred, trauma-informed support. The third theme was the value of practical support and strategies from services.

Citation: O’Mullan, C., Hing, N., Nuske, E., Breen, H., & Mainey, L. (2022). Strengthening the service experiences of women impacted by gambling-related intimate partner violence. BMC Public Health, 22, 745. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13214-9

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13214-9

Keywords: barriers to treatment ; gambling ; gambling-relared harm ; help-seeking ; intimate partner violence ; personal relationships ; service providers ; support services ; women

Topics: Comorbidities ; Domestic and Inter-Partner Violence ; Gambling Resources ; Information for Treatment Providers

Conceptual Framework Factors: Environment - Social and Economic Impacts ; Cultural - Gender ; Cultural Factors ; Gambling Environment ; Resources - Service Access and Use ; Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Study Design: Qualitative: Content Analysis

Geographic Coverage: Australia

Study Population: Women with lived experienced of IPV related to a male partner’s gambling (n = 48) or their own gambling (n = 24). The women were between 20 to 69 years old and had received professional help for gambling or IPV or both of these issues.

Sampling Procedure: Data for this study were collected as part of a larger study to explore the nature of the relationship between gambling and IP against women by a male partner. Recruitment and data collection occurred between July 2018 and June 2019. The participants were purposively sampled through professional networks and direct contact with support services (e.g., gambling help services, domestic violence services, financial counselling services, legal services, women’s health services, culturally specific services).

Study Funding:

This study was funded by the Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS).