Barriers to seeking help

What are the three types of cultural barriers

Gender Norms or expectations, fear of cultural stigma, language or communication barriers

explain gender norms or expectations as a cultural barrier

beliefs that women should be submissive or that violence is a “private family matter”

explain fear of cultural stigma as a cultural barrier

concern that reporting violence will bring dishonour or shame to the family or community

explain language or communication barriers as a cultural barrier

difficulty accessing support or explaining the situation due to limited English or lack of culturally safe services

What are the three psychological barriers

Shame or self blame, fear of not being believed, emotional dependence on perpetrator

Explain Shame or self-blame as a psychological barrier

feeling responsible for the abuse or embarrassed to disclose it

Explain Fear of not being believed as a psychological barrier

Anxiety that others will dismiss or minimise their experience

Explain Emotional dependence on perpetrator as a psychological barrier

feeling attached, hopeful things will improve, or worried about upsetting the abuser

What are the three practical barriers

Financial dependence, limited access to services, safety concerns

Explain Financial dependence as a practical barrier

relying on the abuser for income, housing or basic needs

Explain limited access to services as a practical barrier

lack of transport, childcare, or living in a remote area where support options are scarce

Explain safety concerns as a practical barrier

fear of retaliation, escalation of violence or surveillance by perpetrator