Accessing sexualized violence services and supports for women in rural Nova Scotia: A qualitative study

Introduction: Women who experience sexualized violence can face significant barriers to accessing services and supports, including fear of victim blaming, stigma, and fear of re-traumatization.  To date, there is a paucity of research that specifically examines the experiences of women accessing sexualized violence services and supports in rural places, and the potential unique or additional barriers they may face. Objectives: The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences of women living in rural [province] who accessed services or supports after experiencing sexualized violence. Methods: Participants were recruited through community organizations and social media. Interviews were conducted with nine women in Fall 2019. Data were analyzed using feminist-thematic analysis. Results: Findings indicate that the women shared experiences of navigating a fragmented system of services and supports, many reported harmful experiences with the justice system and formal healthcare system, and some also experienced positive experiences with community-based services. Enhancing community-based services is recommended as one key strategy for improving access to sexualized violence services and supports in rural communities.