“Women hope the situation will change, and their husbands will change with it”: narratives of intimate partner violence in Gaza

The authors’ purpose in conducting this study was to identify barriers faced by survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in accessing services in Gaza. We collected data via in-depth interviews with women (ages 18-49; n = 25). Respondents were recruited through convenience sampling from women’s organizations. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and coded using an inductive approach. Results indicate three main factors that influence help-seeking: perceived transgression of traditional gender roles; distrust of women’s centers; and contextual acceptance of IPV. An understanding of emic perceptions of IPV can inform the design and delivery of support services and increase access to interventions for women in Gaza.