The present study focused on the informal help-seeking process, facilitators and barriers in the context of romantic relationship difficulties and dating violence (DV). This study also aimed to describe gender specificities involved in the help-seeking process. Data analysis was performed relying on the help-seeking and change model developed for intimate partner violence (American Journal of Community Psychology, 36, 71-84, 2005). A direct content analysis was conducted on semi-structured interviews of 80 youths. All participants reported having experienced at least one romantic relationship difficulty and half of them reported at least one experience of DV victimization in their current romantic relationship. Motives to seek support and help were mentioned by the participants, namely the need to be advised on how to solve their difficulties, to express their emotions and vent about their feelings, to obtain an external point of view, to be listened to and comforted, and to be validated on their interpretation of the situation. When experiencing difficulties, participants chose confidants according to the following qualities: share bond of trust, similar experiences, mutual help and reciprocity, relevant experiences in dating relationships, and a context of respect and non-judgment. Reluctance to ask for help was expressed by participants, namely discomfort about sharing intimate information or revealing feelings to a friend or family member, lack of support, and fear of being judged or vulnerable. Findings highlight the strategic role of peers and the importance of offering them tools to intervene as first responders in DV situations.

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关于浪漫问题和约会暴力的非正式求助过程：定性研究

本研究重点关注浪漫关系困难和约会暴力（DV）背景下的非正式寻求帮助过程、促进因素和障碍。这项研究还旨在描述寻求帮助过程中涉及的性别特异性。数据分析是根据针对亲密伴侣暴力开发的寻求帮助和改变模型进行的（美国社区心理学杂志，36, 71-84, 2005）。对 80 名年轻人的半结构化访谈进行了直接内容分析。所有参与者都报告说至少经历过一次恋爱关系困难，其中一半人报告说在他们当前的恋爱关系中至少经历过一次家庭暴力受害经历。参与者提到寻求支持和帮助的动机，即需要被建议如何解决自己的困难、表达情绪和发泄情绪、获得外部观点、被倾听和安慰、并根据他们对情况的解释进行验证。当遇到困难时，参与者根据以下品质选择知己：分享信任、相似的经历、互助互惠、约会关系中的相关经验以及尊重和不评判的环境。参与者表示不愿意寻求帮助，即不愿意向朋友或家人分享私密信息或透露感受、缺乏支持以及害怕被评判或脆弱。调查结果强调了同伴的战略作用以及为他们提供工具以作为家庭暴力情况第一响应者进行干预的重要性。