Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the most significant health and human rights issues of our time, affecting one in three women worldwide and can have long-term consequences on health and wellbeing, even after physical separation. This project uses trauma-informed, arts-based methods to work with women who have separated from a violent partner to visually map their help-seeking journeys across health and social systems. By co-creating these maps with participants, the study will identify barriers, facilitators, and recommendations to improve access to care and support after IPV.

This research will offer critical insights into how women navigate complex care systems after IPV, and how their needs can be better met. Findings will inform trauma-informed service design and training, improve system responsiveness, and support advocacy for survivor-centered care.