Arab Palestinian women citizens of Israel subjected to intimate partner violence: Their experiences with coping interventions

The study examined perceptions of Arab Palestinian women citizens of Israel that were subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV), regarding the formal and informal interventions they used to cope with the violence. Data were gathered by semi-structured interviews with 12 Arab Palestinian women citizens of Israel subjected to IPV. Results indicate that most participants had contacted informal channels, as well as formal channels, mainly welfare services and police. From the perspective of most participants, the informal channels were not effective, whereas support received from formal channels, mainly welfare services, were perceived as effective. Participants' attitude police intervention was ambivalent. Recommendations for future studies and for professionals are presented.