BIO

Hi! My name is Isablelle Krukoski, I am a sophomore from Clermont, FL, and I am double majoring in Editing Writing and Media & Media and Communication Studies at FSU. Currently, I am working under the wonderful PhD student, Pooja Ichplani, as a part of FSU's Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) researching intimate partner violence and how social norms, available resources, and social networks impact a victim's willingness to disclose. Beyond research, I am a staff writer with Her Campus at FSU and have a strong passion for composing and collaborating on editorial work.

Understanding Intimate Partner Violence: The Social Norms and Intervention Opportunities That Impact a Victim's Willingness to Disclose

Abstract

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is an ill practice faced by numerous women but is still often overlooked by society, where every facet of a woman’s well-being is at risk. IPV confrontation may look different in many instances; some may be more assertive while others may be more passive. While confrontation is a big part of this study, it is also important to realize the role of abuse disclosure and support. Intervening in situations of abuse may not always be an effective strategy owing to the safety of women, but some women may also not be aware of the situation they are in. Nonetheless, the availability of resources for these victims plays an essential part in supporting women experiencing IPV. One such resource is a woman’s social network, which has a significant role in disclosure patterns. The social network these women find themselves in can ultimately impact their willingness to disclose. In this study, we link intervention and disclosure patterns to mental health and history of abuse. Our ongoing research process is situated in the Big Bend Area of Florida, and it utilizes a combination of in-depth interviews with survivors of IPV, surveys with women at risk, and anonymous online surveys with adult women to gather insights into the likeliness of disclosure and related patterns. The study is anticipated to offer insights into the possibility of designing a culturally compatible program by leveraging the social network ties of such women for a more efficacious intervention.

Keywords: Intimate Partner Violence