Sarah's story: A Canadian narrative case study and systems map of the complex barriers IPV victim-survivors and their children must navigate

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the most frequently reported forms of violence and child maltreatment in Canada, especially in the province of Saskatchewan. The disconnection of helping systems is a prominent barrier to safety and justice for mothers, children, and families. Part of a larger Canadian study, the perspectives of IPV victim-survivors were explored to determine how child protection and collateral support services respond to IPV reports in Saskatchewan. Participants included three IPV victim-survivors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed through a critical feminist lens. A composite character of the participants was created as a narrative case study. A mapping of the intersectional complexities of IPV was developed to better understand the phenomena. According to participants, intergenerational trauma and violence normalization contributed to unhealthy conceptualizations about their intimate relationships, including a lack of awareness about coercive control. Victim-survivors and their children were distrustful of helping systems due to feeling powerless and traumatized, primarily by child protection and legal systems, where interactions were at times experienced as discriminatory. They also faced barriers with other support services. Despite recent practice and policy improvements, the responsibilization of victim-survivors continues, driven by structural and systemic issues including sexism, discrimination and ongoing colonialism. Echoed in IPV studies globally, collaborative systemic change is necessary to reduce and prevent IPV and child maltreatment. This cultural shift should include prioritizing perpetrator accountability and increasing education and public awareness of IPV. • Intimate partner violence has deleterious impacts on survivors and children • Structural and systemic issues such as sexism and racism exacerbate the problem • Further harm occurs through victim-blaming and lack of perpetrator accountability • Education and public awareness are critical to reducing and preventing violence • Child protection, legal, and other services must collaborate for meaningful change