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Intimate partner violence is highly prevalent in Asian region. It is largely committed by male against their female intimate partner. This is often associated with the region's unique social and cultural norms which subordinate women throughout their lives. IPV is an ongoing concern in Bhutan. The country's age-old traditions and customs are closely related to culture of silence among women experiencing IPV. This study examined women's responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) in Bhutan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore sensitising concepts such as how and when women recognised IPV and how they responded to it. Fifteen women who had sought supportive services at the institution 'RENEW' (Respect, Educate, Nurture, Empower Women) as a result of IPV participated in the interview. The Trans-theoretical model of behaviour change (TTM) was used as a theoretical framework to understand women's cognitive, affective and behavioural change processes. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify the patterns of women's responses. From the analysis, women's experiences of IPV and their responses were located within the four stages of change, including contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. Women used nine traditional processes of change among which consciousness raising and helping relationships were critical and appeared across all four stages of change. This study provides important insights of Bhutanese women's cognitive and behavioural responses to IPV. The appearance of consciousness raising and helping relationships across all the stages of change represents a potential opportunity for intervention to initiate and promote changes in women's response to IPV in the early stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) silently pervades Bhutanese women's lives and is closely linked to the country's unique collectivist societal structure. There is a dearth of empirical research identifying and addressing barriers to help-seeking for women who experience IPV in Bhutan. This study sought to gain an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence and prevent Bhutanese women in IPV relationships from seeking help. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Bhutanese women experiencing IPV and accessing counseling at Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women (RENEW). RENEW is a nonprofit organization that provides support services to women affected by IPV. Qualitative data analysis revealed five themes that represent barriers to seeking help for IPV experienced by Bhutanese women. These themes are (1) Perceived stigma: I don't want to bring a bad name ... what will they think of me? ', (2) Children's well-being: I need to think of my child's school, food, clothes , (3) Limited understanding of IPV: He did not cause any physical harm .... there was no beating , (4) Limited knowledge of support sources: 'I was not sure whether they would entertain my issue or not , and (5) Lack of support: They didn't do anything to stop him. This study reveals novel insights about the importance of IPV knowledge among Bhutanese women and supportive responses from different sources such as informal and formal networks to facilitate women's help-seeking behaviors. It provides evidence for relevant stakeholders and service sectors to develop programs and policies appropriate and responsive to the needs of Bhutanese women experiencing IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]