NCJ Number
225406
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2009 Pages: 57-80
Date Published
January 2009
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This exploratory study solicited information on the experiences of African-American survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) within mainstream IPV interventions compared with their experiences in a culturally specific domestic violence agency.
Abstract
The study found that in many ways the culturally specific agency was effectively meeting the needs of African-American survivors involved in this study. This was done through the provision of both culturally specific and quality survivor-centered services. Survivors mentioned that the agency hired staff to whom they could relate as African-Americans and as survivors of IPV themselves. They also appreciated the agency providing employment opportunities for African-American women. Survivors commented as well on the agency being located in a predominantly African-American neighborhood. In addition, the agency created an Afrocentric environment at the site, which facilitated clients feeling welcome and comfortable. In addition, the agency incorporated a number of intervention components that have been identified as important to healing for African-American women; for example, support groups were a featured program component. These experiences with the culturally sensitive domestic violence agency contrasted with perceived flaws in mainstream interventions that failed to meet the emotional and contextual needs of African-American survivors. The study consisted of indepth semistructured interviews with 14 women who had received services from a culturally specific domestic violence agency in a midsized Midwestern city that targets its services to the African-American community. Of the 14 women interviewed, 6 had also received services from mainstream domestic violence intervention agencies. The 14 women had participated in at least 3 service contacts with the culturally sensitive agency and had received agency services for anywhere from 1.5 months to 5 years. 2 tables and 54 references