surprised that a National Domestic Violence Helpline already exists as none had
previously heard of it.
In terms of wider community changes, all the groups discussed how society had changed
since they were growing up and how this had had both positive and negative impacts.
They generally felt that younger women (their daughters’ generation) had more chances
and opportunities to have fulfilling lives where they had financial and other
independence and therefore freedom to make choices. This was seen as overwhelmingly
positive. On the negative side there was concern that a breakdown in the family and
community spirit had led to a decline in community support and ‘respect’ and an increase
in violent and anti-social behaviour. The notion of ‘respect’ was something which
emerged throughout the focus groups. Groups believed that there needed to be more
emphasis in the teaching of young people about how people should respect one another.
The women in the focus groups also talked about how they feared public violence in
society and how it impacted on where they went and when. It was interesting that the
groups perceived an increase in public violence and felt that this gave a wider impression
that violence was acceptable, thus impacting on violence against women in both the
public and private spheres.
All the groups were asked about their views on how violence against women might
impact differently on rural and urban women. It was interesting that some of the
benefits of living in rural locations were also seen as limitations when it came to
addressing violence against women. Community support, justice, and censure were seen
as benefits to living in a rural community. However, the fact that ‘everybody knows
everybody else’s business’ was identified as one of the main barriers for women who
might seek help if violence/abuse was an issue for them. All of the groups identified that
rural areas had some services but that transport, accessibility, and confidentiality were the
three most important issues affecting rural women affected by violence and abuse.
Following the focus groups the research team designed the on-line survey incorporating
the issues raised by group members.

McCarry & Williamson, 2009 8
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40