Hard to reach services or survivors? Perceptions of service providers on barriers and facilitators for help-seeking behaviours in addressing domestic violence among British South Asian women

Domestic violence (DV) against ethnic minority women is often an understudied social and psychological problem in the United Kingdom. The aim of this qualitative research is to fill a gap in the existing literature by identifying service providers' perceptions about the barriers and facilitators for help-seeking behaviours among British South Asian women who have experienced DV. This study used 18 semi-structured interviews of service providers from third-party organisations. In addition, it used qualitative methods and applied thematic analysis within an ecological framework to analyse interviews with service providers. Five main themes were identified relating to barriers and facilitators for help-seeking behaviours among British South Asian women who have experienced DV. These include: stereotypical thinking and the misuse of religious beliefs; fear of negative consequences; emotional states that act as both barriers and facilitators; informal and formal help-seeking opportunities, as well as the challenges associated with each. These research findings can initiate positive social change by leading to development of culturally appropriate interventions which can bridge the gap between British South Asian women who experience DV. The findings of this study contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality by identifying key barriers, facilitators, and culturally informed recommendations for help-seeking among British South Asian women experiencing domestic violence. These insights can inform the development of effective policy, practice, and research to address domestic violence as a major public health issue and challenge the intersecting racial, ethnic, and gender inequalities that exacerbate it.