The mental health care needs of women who experience intimate partner violence in Saudi Arabia a mixed-methods study

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) has a significant and detrimental impact on women’s mental health; however, various barriers continue to impede their ability to seek appropriate mental health support. Study Aim: The study aims to explore the mental health needs and mental health help seeking behaviours of women living in Saudi Arabia who have experienced IPV. Methodology: The study utilised three validated instruments: the Patient HealthQuestionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depressive symptoms, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder7 (GAD-7) to measure symptoms of anxiety, and the PTSD Checklist – Civilian Version(PCL-C) to evaluate symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), In-depth interviews were conducted with 7 survivors and 10 healthcare professionals to provide rich qualitative insights. Results: Quantitative analysis showed that 63.9% of women met criteria for PTSD, 51% for moderate to severe depression, and 37.7% for anxiety. While 68.7% sought help, most turned to informal sources (family/friends), and only 17.8% contacted healthcare providers. Key barriers included considering IPV a private matter (71.3%), fear of retaliation (43.3%), and stigma associated with mental health. Qualitative findings highlighted psychological consequences such as loss of confidence, nightmares, cognitive difficulties, suicidal thoughts, and psychosomatic symptoms. Interviews revealed that systemic deficiencies, social stigma, and lack of awareness hindered access to care. While some women received compassionate support, others experienced inadequate services. Healthcare professionals emphasized that alack of mental health resources, lack of training, and societal pressures were major barriers.4Conclusion: IPV leaves deep psychological wounds that go beyond clinical symptoms and are shaped by cultural norms, stigma, and system-wide constraints. Therefore, comprehensive, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive care for women's mental health needs is critical. Policies should prioritize mental health screening and provide professionals with training specific to IPV to better serve women in need.

Date of Award	Dec 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Qassim University
Supervisor	Áine Aventin (Supervisor) & Karen Galway (Supervisor)