Domestic Violence in Rural Communities

Domestic violence (DV) is a serious problem no matter where it occurs.  In rural communities, the physical isolation itself is one of the key characteristics of DV.

With roughly 30 percent of people in this country living in rural areas, there are unique challenges facing many residents. Women, for example, often earn less, and frequently are required to travel long distances in order to visit neighboring townships. Travel is also often required for childcare.  Conversely, men tend to work locally, often doing seasonal work. When it comes to  intimate partner violence, more than a quarter of people living in small towns live over 40 miles away from the closest support program. A number of factors in these areas may contribute to domestic violence and exacerbate the effects of DV:

• Isolation;
• Limited transportation;
• Insufficient screening tools and policies for DV in emergency rooms
• Inadequate communication systems and broadband;
• No training on intimate partner violence for hospital staff;
• High prevalence of guns in homes;
• The differences in policing in small towns;
• Housing limitations;
• Poverty impacting the ability to move or seek help;
• Lack of healthcare and intervention services;

Reluctance to Report 

When victims of DV don’t report the abuse, they often find that the violence becomes more frequent and more severe over time. In 2021 more than one-third of women who were murdered died at the hands of an intimate partner. It’s difficult to imagine murder was the first incident of violence. There are many reasons victims, especially in small communities, are reluctant to report:

• Stigma and blaming;
• Reluctance to report in small communities where everyone knows one another;
• Fears that confidentiality will be broken;
• Fears of reputational damage;
• Values and social norms;
• Victim connections to authority figures.

Intervention Efforts: 

A recent emphasis on collaboration among various agencies strives to reduce domestic violence incidents and the severity of outcomes. Some of the agencies included are:

• Service providers for victims;
• Criminal justice agencies;
• Health care professionals;
• Legal assistance programs;
• Counseling;
• Sexual assault advocacy;
• Victim advocacy;
• Treatment programs;
• Community organizations.

Ways to Help Rural Communities 

There are some evidence-based practices medical professionals should be aware of in order to assist patients who may be suffering from intimate partner violence:

• Help them to understand confidentiality requirements;
• Educate and empower patients to address health concerns associated with their relationships;
• Support victims of violence with referrals or national hotlines in order to provide access to safety.

Advocating for You

The experienced Miami domestic violence attorneys at The Law Office of Julia Kefalinos provide judgment-free legal support to victims of domestic violence. Remember, it is not your fault, and it is never okay.  To discuss your situation, schedule a confidential consultation in our Miami office today.

Source:

ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/unique-nature-domestic-violence-rural-areas