Examining Support Systems Available for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence in Rural Areas in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural Zimbabwe remains pervasive, with adverse outcomes for the wellbeing of women. Support is thus crucial for women who experience such violence in their relationships. Despite the significance of supportive interventions in IPV cases, there is limited research on the support systems available for victims of IPV in rural areas. Therefore, this study sought to examine support systems for female victims of IPV residing in rural areas. The study adopted a qualitative approach, and participants were selected using purposive sampling in Chimanimani District (Zimbabwe). Interviews were conducted using a narrative approach with women between the ages of 19 and 49 years. Findings show that there is a higher reliance on informal support systems in comparison to formal systems. It is thus important for social workers to understand the help seeking behaviour of rural women and the support systems available, as this will enable them to develop community-based strategies for the efficient delivery of IPV interventions in rural areas.