Thesis Format

Monograph

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 OntarioFollow

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Education

Supervisor

Rodger, Susan C.

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.

Summary for Lay Audience

Domestic Violence and Abuse (DVA) has been researched frequently by social scientists. Given the increasing rates of the occurrence of DVA, it is critical that we come up with ways for reducing this issue (Statistics Canada, 2022; World Health Organization, 2023). One strategy involves including informal social support (ISs), such as the family and friends, who are usually the first people sought out by survivors of DVA (Harper 2021; Satyen, Rogic & Supol, 2018). Using a survey and three focus groups, this research study explored the experiences of ISs to get an idea of their thoughts on the processes of help-seeking, and how they apply their individual definitions of support. Through a strengths-based, humanistic, and culturally informed lens, eight total themes were found: characteristics of ISs, methods of realizing abuse, bearing witness, investigating, offering solutions, fostering connections, building confidence, and navigating barriers. This study’s findings offer a comprehensive representation of how ISs understand support-seeking and their overall experiences of providing and receiving support. This work can be used to inform ways we can support ISs in their necessary roles to mitigate DVA.

Recommended Citation

Msougar, Omhani, "Supporting Supporters: An Exploration of the Experience of Informal Social Supports for Muslim Survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse" (2025). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10798.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10798