Table 2 Relevant aspects of the social attitudes for the model's four trajectories

1. Trajectory: Traumatization to problem perception

Taboos/a veil of silence; dismissing some forms of interpersonal violence as peccadilloes; attribution of accountability for problems in relationships to the women; stigmatization of mental health issues; toughness and violence as an integral part of some subcultures and association of victimization with weakness.

As a consequence, trauma survivors perceive themselves as suffering somehow, just not mentally. That would be a sign of weakness. (P11)

2. Trajectory: Problem perception to wish for treatment

Taboos/veil of silence, negative attitude to mental health problems/counseling/therapy/victimization versus tolerance for the problem and the need for help.

Help-seeking would have been easier for me if the skepticism which is unfortunately still prevalent in society and this negative touch had not been given or at least not to this extent. (T26)

3. Trajectory: Wish for treatment to treatment intention

Consideration of/for the victim and a clear position toward the responsibility of the perpetrator.

Many women come pretty late - because in our society women are held responsible for the relationship. This leads them to lay the blame on themselves, to think it is their fault: "if only I would have been a little more considerate my husband would not have gone apeshit", "if only I would have made sure that the children are calm..." (P16)

4. Trajectory: Treatment intention to help-seeking

The attitudes in society were seen to affect the help-system through the importance attached to the problem of interpersonal violence, its victims and their support-system.

Higher significance of traumatization in society - more awareness of the problem, more budget. (P2)