A Phenomenological Study on How Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Use Informal Social Support To Address Housing Instability

Abstract Purpose Many survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) face challenges to safe and stable housing, often without support of formal housing programs due to limited funding and long wait lists of these programs. There is limited research on how survivors navigate housing instability and whether the dynamics of IPV interfere with access to informal support systems that may help in the absence of formal intervention. Methods Using a phenomenological approach, this study aims to explore the ways that survivors ( N = 10) access multidimensional aspects of their social networks to address housing instability through qualitative interviews combined with collaborative ecomapping. Results Survivors described how material and emotional support was provided across 5 domains: family, friends, work/colleagues, church or religious groups, and social participation. Conclusion Findings inform practice and policy changes focused on survivor-centered screening and intervention, expanded programs and increased advertising of program services in the community, and education and awareness events offered to the community, which may spread practical information on how family, friends, employers, and other levels of social support can assist with emotional or material aid.