Mental Health Issues Among Women Who Experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Abstracts

Background and Purpose

Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a pervasive public health issue across the United States, with Arkansas consistently ranking among the states with the highest rates of domestic violence. Women in Arkansas face significant barriers in accessing services and support, often leading to prolonged exposure to abuse and its aftermath. While physical injuries from IPV are commonly recognized, the mental health consequences—such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse are often ignored.

This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of 20 women in Arkansas who have endured intimate partner violence and suffered subsequent mental health challenges. By centering their voices, the study aims to deepen understanding of the psychological toll of IPV, highlight gaps in service provision, and inform trauma-informed interventions and policy efforts tailored to the unique needs of survivors in this region.

Methods:

This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological approach to explore the mental health impacts of intimate partner violence (IPV) among women in Arkansas. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 women who self-identified as survivors of IPV and reported experiencing mental health challenges as a result of the abuse. Participants were recruited through domestic violence shelters and community-based agencies across urban and rural areas of Arkansas.

Each interview lasted approximately 60 to 90 minutes and was guided by an interview protocol designed to elicit rich, detailed narratives about participants’ experiences with IPV, the psychological effects of abuse, coping mechanisms, and interactions with mental health and social service systems.

Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, with an emphasis on identifying recurring patterns and unique insights related to trauma, resilience, and service access. NVivo software was used to organize and code transcripts. To ensure rigor, member checking and peer debriefing were employed throughout the analysis process.

Findings:

Analysis of the interviews revealed two major themes highlighting the complex and enduring mental health impacts of intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors. The following core themes emerged from participants’ narratives:

1. Persistent Psychological Distress:
   Majority of the participants reported experiencing significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and substance abuse. Many described intrusive memories, sleep disturbances, and emotional numbness that persisted long after the abusive relationship had ended.
2. Barriers to Mental Health Support:
   Participants identified numerous obstacles to accessing mental health care, including lack of transportation, financial constraints, long wait times, and limited availability of culturally responsive or trauma-informed providers.

Conclusions and Implications:

Findings from this study underscore the profound and lasting mental health effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on women in Arkansas. Participants’ narratives revealed not only the psychological toll of abuse but also the systemic barriers that hinder access to adequate and timely mental health care.

These results highlight an urgent need for trauma-informed, survivor-centered interventions that integrate mental health and IPV services. Expanding access to culturally competent mental health care, strengthening community-based support networks, and increasing education around the mental health consequences of IPV are essential steps toward holistic recovery.