To understand abuse against children, the elderly and within families in rural settings, a comprehension of family violence in general is needed. The World Health Organization recognizes that family violence occurs in all settings and amongst all socio-economic, religious, and cultural groups. Furthermore, the global burden of family violence is borne by women. Family violence can encompass child or elder abuse, or intimate partner violence (also known as domestic violence). Family violence refers to any behaviour within a family that causes physical, psychological, sexual, social or financial harm and it includes controlling and threatening behaviours.

Distinct rural features

It is difficult to ascertain accurate rates of family violence in any context, and this includes in rural settings. Research reviewed by DeKeseredy (2009) and Wendt (2021) indicates that women, children and the elderly living in rural places are more likely to have experienced family violence because of unique geographical and social structures. For example, reporting and seeking help can be difficult due to geographical isolation, lack of transportation options, not having access to income and lack of specialized services. Other factors that can influence the under-reporting of family violence in rural settings includes social values and norms that shape rural communities; for example, fear of stigma, shame and notions of family privacy.

The international rural context

Research has shown that there are common characteristics of family violence in rural settings across the globe.

First, geographical and social isolation compound secrecy and therefore deter families from seeking support, as found in research in the by Carrington et al (2013) on violence against women in rural communities.

Second, rural masculinity or male peer support have been identified as risk factors that shape family violence experiences in particular ways for women and family members, contributing to high levels of collective efficacy that promote abuse and discourage seeking help. Violent expressions of ‘hypermasculinity’ in rural settings shape the hidden nature of different forms of abuse (DeKeseredy, 2009; Carrington et al, 2013).

Third, by the nature of industries such as farming and agriculture in rural settings, families often have complex financial arrangements.