Rural Barriers to Domestic Violence Reporting in Pennsylvania

(The Center Square) – In a report issued by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, disparities in domestic violence reporting between rural and urban communities reveal stark differences in the experiences of survivors. The study, conducted by Dr. Emily Strohacker at Penn State Harrisburg, surveyed and interviewed survivors across the commonwealth, primarily identified through victim service organizations. "Victims of domestic violence in rural areas face barriers to getting help that are unique,” said Susan Higginbotham, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “Feelings of fear, embarrassment, and shame are common, and many rural cases are not reported because victims worry that other people in their small communities will learn about their abuse.”