Domestic violence in a rural setting.

This article summarizes barriers for domestic violence victims in rural settings. Specific clinical counseling examples from a rural Appalachian setting are provided for each of the barriers discussed. One of the barriers, victims' religious and spiritual culture, is discussed separately since it can operate in an oppressive and/or empowering format within the context of the victim's life. The article concludes with recommendations to rural healthcare professionals who can assist victims and their children in surviving domestic violence they may experience. Language: en