Friday, March 30, 2012: 10:40 AM-12:00 PM
Pacific C (San Francisco Marriott Marquis)
Presentation Format:
Scientific Program Report
Learning Objectives:
- Explore the dynamics of the dual struggle of having cancer and domestic violence concurrently. A background of the limited literature on this topic will be reviewed in order to provide a foundation for understanding the complex emotional and physical impacts of cancer and domestic violence
- Discover the results of this qualitative study including direct quotes from select participants to highlight the key themes. An overview will be provided on what the participants described their experiences to be while undergoing cancer treatment and being abused concurrently
- Determine specific recommendations for practice with domestic violence victims who are undergoing cancer treatment. These practice suggestions will be useful for health care providers as well as domestic violence advocates
This report will review a qualitative research study which examined how having cancer may affect one’s response to abuse by an intimate partner. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 individuals who reported being abused by a partner while undergoing cancer treatment. Participants’ experiences of the dual struggle of cancer and domestic violence will be described along with implications for health care providers and domestic violence advocates. Suggestions for practice based on the results of this study will be provided.