Research Library

Navigating biases and distrust of systems: American and Canadian intimate partner violence service providers’ experiences with trans and immigrant women clients

Abstract
To date, very little is known about intimate partner violence (IPV) service providers’ experiences serving trans and immigrant women (IPV) survivors and their barriers in reporting and/or accessing formal services. Employing constructivist grounded theory, two vignettes were constructed – one featuring a trans woman and the other an immigrant woman, both seeking IPV services. American and Canadian IPV service providers responded to open-ended survey questions about both scenarios, resulting in several emergent themes including, but not limited to: service provider biases, shelter conflicts, and distrust of systems. Policy implications and future research are also addressed.
Authors: Stacie Merken,Danielle C. Slakoff,Wendy Aujla,Lauren Moton Publication Date: 1/2/2023

Publication Type: Journal Article

URL:https://doi.org/10.1080/15564886.2022.2136319
Notes

Integration timeline

Key recommendations

  • IPV service providers should receive mandatory trainings on working with different marginalized groups.
  • A client-centered and intersectional approach is recommended.
  • Increasediversity of providers and community partners may help increase safety and trust.
  • Barriers to accessing public assistance due to immigration status, etc. create immense harm on immigrant women trying to leave IPV.

Key findings

One-size-fits-all IPV supports that follow “treating all women the same” are harmful and diminishing to the experiences of immigrant women. Individual needs and social identities must be considered when providing IPV services. Particularly due to COVID-19, IPV services need continued financial support such that more staff are hired, staff are better trained in cultural sensitivity, and shelters have enough space to meet demands.

Open access – No

Location

  • Canada
  • USA

Community organizations

Gaps identified

Key population


Publisher: Routledge _eprint: https://doi.org/10.1080/15564886.2022.2136319
Collections domestic-violence , lgbtqia , physical-and-mental-health , social-services , women

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