While the Asian American population in the United States constitutes one of the largest and fastest growing ethnic minorities in the country, very little is known about this population in terms of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). IPV ranks among the most serious and widespread public health issues. Currently, a screening protocol called RADAR is being used to train health care providers in performing routine screening, documentation, safety assessment, and referrals of victims or potential victims of IPV. Asian American women may encounter unique barriers (i.e. language, immigration, isolation from family and friends in country of origin) and engage in health-seeking behaviors (i.e. outreach workers, traditional healers) that may decrease the effectiveness of RADAR in this population. The goals of this study were to: a) investigate the role of health care providers in the context of screening for IPV in this population; b) determine the cross-cultural appropriateness of RADAR as a screening tool for IPV among Asian American women; and c) elicit recommendations and culturally appropriate modifications of RADAR from Asian American women and the health care providers who serve them. Focus groups and one-on-one interviews were conducted with Asian American women and their health care providers in the city of Philadelphia. Preliminary analysis of interview transcripts suggests that the health care provider (i.e., physician) plays an important role in identifying Asian American women experiencing IPV and assisting them with referrals. A more in-depth presentation of additional data and recommendations for RADAR will be forthcoming.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify the clinical screening tool, RADAR 2. Understand how Asian American women experience IPV 3. Articulate the challenges/barriers Asian American women face when seeking help for IPV from the U.S. health care system 4. Recognize how to use RADAR in a culturally appropriate manner for Asian American women
Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander Women, Domestic Violence
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.