Supporting Supporters: An Exploration of the Experience of Informal Social Supports for Muslim Survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse

Omhani Msougar, The University of Western Ontario

Abstract

Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) is a critical issue in social sciences research. This study examines the role of informal social supporters (ISs) in the initial help-seeking process for DVA survivors. Through a mixed methods approach and reflexive thematic analysis, eight themes emerged: characteristics of ISs, methods of realizing abuse, bearing witness, investigating, offering solutions, fostering connections, building confidence, and navigating barriers. These findings offer a comprehensive understanding of ISs' perspectives on support-seeking and their experiences. This work can guide strategies to better support ISs in mitigating DVA.