Intimate Partner Violence: Awareness and Healing in Historically Marginalized Communities
It’s Domestic Violence Awareness month, and in the vast and intricate landscape of mental health and well-being, it is crucial to address the issue of intimate partner violence (IPV) through an intersectional and systemic lens, particularly within communities that have been historically marginalized. Let’s look at some info, take a moment to reflect, and do what we need to do to find some individual and collective healing in this world.
IPV Info and Impacts
Intimate partner violence is common. About 41% of women and 26% of men have experienced some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. IPV occurs when an intimate partner, current or previous, is sexually, physically, emotionally, and/or psychologically violent to the other partner and it is a pervasive problem that affects every facet of our society.
IPV can also be defined as one partner using power and control over another partner. The tactics that are used to gain power and control are most commonly cited in the Power and Control Wheel. Power and control reside in the center of the wheel and it is surrounded by the methods used to gain it which include coercion and threats, using intimidation, using emotional abuse, using isolation, minimizing, dying and blaming, using children, using male privilege, and using economic abuse.
Some impacts of intimate partner violence include injury, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, concern for safety, fear, anxiety, depression, increased substance use, isolation, and missing work. It’s important to note that while these impacts are happening to an individual, the effects ripple out into families, friend groups, work, and our broader community. We are all connected.
Understanding the Complexity of IPV
Intimate partner violence is not a one-size-fits-all issue. It manifests differently within diverse cultural contexts, highlighting the importance of a nuanced approach on systemic, community, and individual levels. No one, despite race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, religion, educational attainment level, etc. is immune to IPV. Additionally, different cultural, emotional, financial, and psychological factors all play a role in the decision to stay, leave, and/or return to a relationship. Alegría Counseling recognizes this and offers a safe space where individuals can share their unique experiences without judgment.
Historically Marginalized Communities and Intimate Partner Violence
While no one is immune to IPV, people that are a part of communities that have been marginalized experience disproportionate impacts. For example, 45.1% of Black women report experiencing IPV compared to 35% of White women. Additionally, research shows that close to 50% of people that identify as LGBTQIA2S+ experience some form of IPV in their lifetime. It is worth noting that there is a need for more specific research for people who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ and/or any gender other than cisgender. When it comes to the Latine community, the data is more complex.
Latine/Hispanic are considered ethnic not racial categories. This means there can be Black/Afro-Latine people, White-Latine people, Asian-Latine people, etc. However, some research shows that about 1 in 3 Latinas experience IPV in their lifetimes and 1 in 12 have experienced IPV in the last 12 months. The immigrant paradox, country of origin, level of acculturation, and location/proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border are also factors (we’ll save machismo and marianismo for another day).
For American Indian and Alaska Native adults, the data is staggering. More than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native adults (83%) have experienced some form of psychological aggression and physical violence by intimate partners. The percentages are 84.3% for women and 81.6%.
Communities that have been historically marginalized face unique challenges related to intimate partner violence. Historical trauma, fear of discrimination, actual discrimination (e.g. disproportionate wrongful arrests), cultural norms, and unjust systems are just a few of the obstacles that can hinder seeking help. Alegría Counseling is committed to overcoming mental health barriers and providing culturally humble support.
IPV as a Systemic Issue
Systemic violence begets individual violence. That’s the tea. A lot of blame/responsibility is typically put on the individual perpetuating harm and/or the individual who is being harmed. While there is a serious need for accountability and healing on an individual level, there is also a need to look at our systems and our collective response to intimate partner violence. Individuals impact systems, and systems impact people. Alegría Counseling acknowledges the complexity of systemic and societal factors ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach to healing.
Breaking the Cycle of Violence
Therapy is not only about healing the individual but also about breaking the cycle of violence. What familial, cultural, and/or societal beliefs are you ready to question? Which ones are you ready to let go? Alegría Counseling works with individuals who want to explore generational healing.
In conclusion, addressing intimate partner violence within the historically marginalized communities requires a deep understanding of cultural nuances, the recognition of intersecting identities, and the understanding of systems. Healing is possible and Alegría Counseling stands with you. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and pave the way for a brighter, safer future.
Need support? Reach out. Alegría Counseling is a Latina-owned therapy practice committed to dismantling systemic oppression and promoting holistic healing.
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In case of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
