Understanding Self-Harm in Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative Analysis of Calls Made by Victims to a Crisis Hotline in China

• NCJ Number: 234555
• Journal: Violence Against Women Volume: 17 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2011 Pages: 532-544
• Author(s): Susan P. Y. Wong; Cuiling Wang; Mei Meng; Michael R. Phillips
• Date Published: April 2011
• Length: 13 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Ford Foundation
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined intimate partner violence (IPV) as a precipitator of repeat self-harm thoughts and behaviors.

Abstract

Text analysis of the transcripts of 26 calls made to a Chinese crisis hotline by victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) reporting thoughts or acts of self-harm abstracted information on victims' patterns of self-harm and the relationship of their self-harm to IPV. Specific violent episodes often triggered self-harm. Victims considered self-harm a method for airing painful emotions caused by abuse or as a last resort to escape by dying when they saw no other options and were no longer able to endure the violence. We also elaborate on callers' discussions of barriers to accessing support, sociocultural pressures to preserve "face" and family, and restrictive gender roles that contribute to their self-harm behaviors. (Published Abstract)