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Intimate partner violence and help-seeking in Chiapas, Mexico: Implications for rural community health services
Mercedes Aguerrebere
Physician, Specialist in Psychiatry. Consultant in Psychiatry, Compañeros en Salud México A.C., Partners in Health Mexico. Chiapas, Mexico. Researcher, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Boston, United States of America.
,
Ana Cecilia Ortega
Master's Degree in International Development. Coordinator, Mental Health Program, Compañeros en Salud México A.C., Partners in Health Mexico, Chiapas, Mexico.
,
Rocío López
Medical Surgeon. Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud. TecSalud, Monterrey, Mexico.
,
Sonia M. Frías
Doctor of Sociology, Regional Center for Multidisciplinary Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Morelos, Mexico.
Received:
27 February 2025,
Accepted:
13 October 2025,
Published:
4 November 2025
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Abstract
From a gender perspective, this study examines how women seek help in response to experiences of intimate partner violence, distinguishing between dynamics of intimate terrorism and situational violence in a rural community in Chiapas, Mexico. A probabilistic study was conducted between July and August 2017 with the participation of 141 women aged 15 years and older, using an adaptation of the National Survey on the Dynamics of Household Relationships (ENDIREH). In addition, from July to December 2017, in-depth interviews were conducted with intentionally selected women and local leaders, along with participant observation. Among survivors, 59% disclosed the violence, and only 7.1% sought formal help, mainly those who experienced intimate terrorism. Most sought help from their families, and 78.9% felt supported by them; this support included emotional assistance, confronting aggressors, and protecting women. Emotions such as fear and shame, impunity, traditional gender norms, socioeconomic factors, and restricted social networks inhibit help-seeking. In this context, community health programs can play a key role in strengthening social networks and providing care.
Keywords: Intimate Partner Violence, Gender Perspective, Poverty, Mexico
Categories: Violences, Gender, Policies, Mental health, Healthcare models
Funding: David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, Harvard University , Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Chiapas | 625458 / 471961 , Abundance Foundation
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