Remodeling the Web: Supporting the Needs of Older Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence in Rural Contexts

Abstract

Researchers and health care providers know little about older, diverse women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) within rural contexts and their service and support needs. In addition, rural older women experience significant geographic disparities in health status and outcomes, socioeconomic inequities, and access to appropriate services, creating unique challenges. In this study, we sought to contribute knowledge and innovative approaches to conceptualize and respond to identified specific needs and challenges older women experiencing IPV in rural contexts face. This study draws on the thematic analysis of 14 interviews with diverse rural New Brunswick and Nova Scotian women who experienced IPV or service providers supporting older rural women who experienced IPV. Findings from this study culminated in the following themes: retaining the traditional web, breaking threads, spinning new connections, and remodeling the web. All these patterns played out within rural contexts where identified supports and challenges encouraged or hindered older rural women’s agency and supportive workers’ abilities to spin supportive connections and create innovative solutions to meet the needs of older, diverse rural women experiencing IPV. These findings will serve to inform future person-centered, supportive, and collaborative approaches and strategies for future and relevant service provision, education, and research for this population.