Healthcare experiences and expectations of women survivors of domestic violence in Asia: a systemized review of the literature

Domestic violence significantly shapes women's healthcare experiences and expectations in Asian settings; however, evidence remains dispersed across diverse study designs and countries. This review synthesizes empirical findings on how survivors navigate healthcare systems and what they expect from providers. A systematized review was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Library OneSearch databases. Eligible studies were published between 2000 and May 2024, conducted in Asian countries, and reported on women's healthcare experiences and/or expectations in the context of domestic or intimate partner violence. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies were included. Quality appraisal was conducted using CASP and MMAT, and findings were synthesized narratively. The literature search was conducted in June 2024 and included studies published up to May 2024. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and represented diverse Asian settings. Findings indicate that cultural stigma, fear of retaliation, and victim-blaming contribute to non-disclosure and avoidance of healthcare. Survivors reported expectations for empathetic communication, confidentiality, and culturally sensitive care; however, institutional limitations, provider constraints, and inconsistent referral pathways often hindered the fulfilment of these expectations. Quantitative findings further indicate reduced service utilization among survivors and significant associations between domestic violence and adverse mental health outcomes. Across Asian contexts, survivors' expectations of safe, confidential, and supportive care are frequently unmet due to structural, cultural, and provider-level barriers. Strengthening trauma-informed, culturally sensitive healthcare responses and improving referral pathways may enhance disclosure, continuity of care, and safety for affected women.