Intimate Partner Violence Essay

I have often been asked why social problems like alcohol abuse, suicide, and domestic violence disproportionality affect First Nation Peoples. Regarding Intimate Partner Violence, I believe that Indigenous women are disproportionally affected because of their low economic status. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in North America is a problem that can affect anyone despite, race, religion, or socioeconomic status. The data available suggest that First Nations women are more likely to experience IPV in their lifetime, with 46% -91% of Native woman experiencing violence compared to the 7-51% of their non-native counterparts (Nason-Clark, 2004)
In a study of eight indigenous regions of Mexico researchers interviewed women about experienced IPV, history of family violence, level of poverty in the community, type of municipality and sociodemographic characteristics (Santiago ,2013). They found that the women in these communities who reported higher levels of Intimate Partner Violence also were more likely to have low levels of education, had married young , had elevated levels of alcohol consumption, and had a poorer household (Santiago, 2013). Those in lower socioeconomic positions of the indigenous communities analyzed were also more likely to experience severe intimate partner violence; Which includes

life-threatening occurrences like threatening with weapons, suffocation or choking, or forced sexual acts (Santiago, 2013).
In a study of Intimate partner violence and community level risk researchers uncovered a pattern of cultural disruption, IPV internalized as a community norm, and community inequity.

In 49 interviews of indigenous women who have experienced IPV and Health care professionals in the community with indigenous background researchers documented reoccurring themes of oppression, sub oppression and colonization. In fact, 76%s of respondents viewed IPV as a social norm (Bernette, 2017). Income and poverty were not a dominant factor in this study when interviews were coded, as over half of the 29 reporting victims had a Bachelor degree or higher (Bernette,

2017).
In the studies listed above one common factor is the lack of community focus on providing adequate intervention and facilities. When examined through a frame of power dynamics and historical oppression, internalized self-hatred can manifest in a number or ways that can be detrimental to communities. When externalized it results in violence against the more vulnerable members of the community particularly women and children (Joe, 2012). There are unique obstacles in native communities regarding IPV, many women do not come forward for fear of being ostracized by their community, particularly if the perpetrator is well connected. There is also a distrust within the community of nonnative legal and medical professionals. There are also many grey areas regarding tribal, state, and federal authority when prosecuting domestic violence incidents (Joe, 2012).

One prevalent theme in the studies listed above is the overall lack of and access to health care, domestic violence professionals and shelters for indigenous communities. The health disparities between indigenous communities with and without these programs is also very problematic, as access to government institutions decreased instances of IPV (Santiago, 2013). As an indigenous woman and a mental health professional these issues resonate with me. This information will impact the quality of care I give and the types of programs I will dedicate my time to and advocate for.