Factors influencing the application of research to practice in family violence: The importance to low-income women and children

Background: National health agencies have dedicated vast resources to understanding violence as a public health problem due to its negative spectrum of effects on individuals, families, and communities. While all individuals are at risk for family violence, low-income women and children experience disproportionate incidences of domestic violence. In addressing this social problem, a plethora of family violence prevention programs have been implemented across the United States. However, the success of these programs is not consistent, with many programs lacking documented empirical evaluation.

Methods: The objective of this study was to add to the knowledge base regarding the complex process of applying empirical research to family violence prevention practices. To date, no studies have identified the forces that influence the application of research to practice from the perspective family violence prevention practitioners.

Results: Using a force field analysis design, 25 family violence practitioners completed in-depth qualitative interviews, and identified influences for the application of research to their practice. A categorical and affinity process analysis revealed both positive and negative factors across four categories: Support, Resources, Environment/Organization, and Personal.

Conclusion: Practitioners provided recommendations for improving the application of research to practice in future programming. This exploratory study was a critical first step in using a community action paradigm by involving the voice of critical actors in violence prevention, front line practitioners. Improving prevention programming is important to decreasing the overall incidence and prevalence of family violence, which has special significance for the high numbers of women and children affected by violence.