The Psychological Trifecta of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Women’s First Account Experiences in Arkansas

Arkansas faces a significant challenge with domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV), consistently ranking among the top states for domestic violence homicides. In 2022 alone, 23 women, 15 men, and 7 children have lost their lives due to domestic violence incidents. This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors in Arkansas, with a focus on the intersection of IPV, mental health, and substance use. Using a phenomenological design, researchers conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 20 participants to explore how survivors provided their experiences as they navigate the effects of IPV. The findings indicate that IPV had significant psychological consequences, with many participants describing symptoms consistent with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) trends supported by existing research. In addition, several participants reported using alcohol or drugs as a coping strategy to manage emotional pain, reinforcing previous findings on the cyclical relationship between IPV and substance use . These results highlight the pressing need for integrated, trauma-informed services that address the dual burden of mental health and substance use among IPV survivors, particularly in rural and underserved communities. There is a dire need for coordinated, evidence-based programming that supports survivors by fostering emotional resilience, improving coping strategies, and nurturing an environment of healing and empowerment.