Impacts of Intimate Partner Violence on Female Adult and Continuing Education Students: Help-Seeking and Academic Supports. A Narrative Literature Review

Female adult and female continuing education students who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) from a male partner may require assistance from their adult and continuing education institution. Understanding the impacts of IPV on achieving a post-secondary education qualification and the barriers that may prevent students from seeking formal help and support can assist in developing consistent responses for this cohort of students. A narrative review of the literature was conducted to identify help-seeking, prevalence and academic impacts and supports, including barriers and protective factors. Electronic databases were searched for key words relating to help-seeking for IPV and impacts on female adult and female continuing education students. Data was extracted that revealed: (1) a lack of reliable data on the prevalence of IPV; (2) the inclusion of intersectionality on barriers to help-seeking; and (3) academic impacts resulting from the IPV. These findings demonstrate the need for further research into this topic area to enhance academic achievements and increased quality of life.