Results of a “Talkstory” intervention for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Considering the implications for policies

Background/Significance Violence between intimate partners results in significant physical and psychological health consequences.  In Hawaii murders from IPV are high among Native Hawaiian and Filipina women.  Past practice has focused on professional intervention. Yet women in these communities have not relied on traditional services, but sought assistance from families and friends.

Objective/Purpose To determine if community led groups result in an increased awareness and leadership to address IPV.

 

Methods Critical Social Theory (CST) serves as the theoretical framework that guides this intervention.  Community based participatory research was consistent with the perspective of CST and combines research and community capacity-building strategies. 

The quasi experimental intervention included 8 experimental and 8 control groups.  Each experimental group received 5 “talkstory” sessions over 7 months.  The control groups received usual care, an educational session. Pre and post testing was conducted to determine changes in between group means on the following measures: 1) Perceptions of the Acceptability of Violence; 2) Awareness, Knowledge, and Confidence regarding IPV; 3) Perception of the Capacity to Address IPV in the community; and 4) Utilization/Outcomes. The presentation includes data from 8 intervention and 6 control groups matched for age, gender and ethnicity.

 

Results In the intervention group pre and post testing showed a statistically significant change on the acceptability of violence (p .001) and awareness (.001) and confidence (.001; .001; .001; .001)  in  participants’  ability to address IPV. In the control group there were no statistically significant changes on the acceptability of violence but there were regarding confidence (.01; .001) in their ability to prevent and address IPV.

Discussion/Conclusions. The change in the intervention group demonstrates the potential of the intervention to change social norms.  Increased awareness and confidence among the participants has led to identification of leaders who are engaged in multiple activities including policy formation.