Cultural Factors in Intimate Partner Violence

Course overview

Intimate partner violence (IPV) occurs all over the world and is noteworthy for being present in all social, economic, ethnic, racial, religious, age, and ability groups. Culture is critical to addressing the needs of persons affected by IPV. Culture informs how people think and behave and how people view themselves, others, their relationships, and their roles in relationships, and their actual or perceived options. This basic-level course is intended to help human services and healthcare professionals better understand the influence of cultural factors on IPV and, in turn, help them to be prepared for culturally responsive work with clients affected by IPV. This course describes common myths and facts about IPV that apply to all cultures and those myths and facts that relate to specific cultures, and provides information on the impact of cultural stereotypes on services delivery and barriers to help seeking. Case scenarios throughout the course illuminate how culture connects with intimate partner violence and how practitioners can better respond to the needs of diverse populations and help practitioners grow in their ability to consider cultural context when engaging and working with diverse communities experiencing IPV.