Community readiness to halt IPV: An evidence-based approach to address partner violence in LGBT communities

In 2008, 81 individuals in four health regions of a Midwestern state were interviewed about their perceptions of intimate partner violence (IPV) among LGBT people, the resources available to address this issue, and community leadership. The inquiry followed an evidence-based approach to assessing community readiness and resulted in an intervention plan tailored to the current level of readiness determined in the process. Based on the Stages of Change model, the assessment tool examines six domains of interest and yields a variety of scores that aid in understanding aspects of readiness and leading to logical intervention approaches. The assessment showed that LGBT communities were at an early stage of readiness (Vague Awareness), reflecting a general limited sense of incidence of IPV occurring, what were its signs or symptoms, and leadership interested in the issue. Further, respondents were generally unaware of general community resources that could lend support to addressing IPV outside LGBT communities. The community advisory group responsible for shepherding the assessment process used the outcomes of the assessment to design a multi-year approach for community intervention. In the first years of the intervention, efforts are made to increase community awareness, bridge the gaps between IPV/domestic violence/sexual assault groups and LGBT community-based organizations and informal leaders. The results were used to successfully advocate for funds to support the intervention plan.