'I am stronger, I'm no longer afraid…', an evaluation of a home-visiting mentor mother support programme for abused women in primary care

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to investigate which factors make a mentor mother support programme for abused women successful.

Method: We used semi-structured interviews with abused women and focus group discussions with the mentor mothers to evaluate their experiences and needs within a mentor support programme (MeMoSA). Fourteen abused women were interviewed 6 months after the support programme ended. Mentor mothers participated in two focus group discussions.

Results: Abused women emphasised that nonjudgmental listening, equivalence, involvement and bonding are important factors for successful support. Mentor mothers described that empathy, availability, persistence and advocacy fitted the needs of women best to empower them and help them to cope with their violent situation at home. A safe place to meet each other was also an important factor.

Conclusion: A good relationship, tailored support provided by home visiting, advocacy and safety are required to effectively help abused women. MeMoSA, a home-visiting support programme, is a promising valuable new support programme in primary care for abused women.

Keywords: evaluation intervention; family practice; intimate partner violence; mentors; qualitative method; woman.