This research gathered information on 1) access to and satisfaction with domestic violence (DV) services for women from specific ethnic groups and lesbian/bisexual/transgender people (LBT) in Seattle who are experiencing DV in Seattle, and 2) the cultural experience of DV for these women. This research was conducted using a participatory action research model involving close collaboration with community-based DV providers.
We conducted focus groups and individual interviews with women either currently or formerly in DV situations from the following communities: African American, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Latina, American Indian/Alaska Native, Amharic-speaking (Ethiopian), Russian-speaking, Filipina, and the lesbian/bisexual/transgender community. All focus groups and interviews were conducted in the first language of participants. Interviewer/facilitators were matched on gender, ethnicity and language/culture with participants.
This presentation will describe main themes related to cultural experiences of DV as well as suggestions women have for helping others in their communities and strengthening existing services. Women reported that in many of their communities DV is viewed as a “normal” part of a marital relationship, and family and community pressure to accept abuse and not seek help outside of the family is common. For LBT people a consistent theme was lack of awareness of DV and little recognition that it can have serious consequences for victims. Women had many suggestions for helping others in their communities. Some of these include language- and culture-specific support groups, community education, helping women develop skills for self-sufficiency and improving services for children.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Discuss cultural factors that may affect a woman’s response to DV. 2. Describe women’s suggestions for helping others in their communities experiencing DV
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Special Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.