October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This was first established in 1989 to acknowledge and be a voice for domestic violence victims and survivors.
Domestic violence (DV) remains a pervasive issue in the United States, affecting individuals regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or community. It is estimated that over 10 million individuals are impacted by intimate partner violence annually, with its effects extending far beyond the victims and into broader societal structures.
The term domestic violence is often used interchangeably with intimate partner violence, but there are some differences between the two. Domestic violence typically refers to any form of abuse that occurs within a domestic setting, such as a household or family unit. This can include not only intimate partner abuse but also child abuse, elder abuse, and abuse between other family members and even roommates. On the other hand, intimate partner abuse specifically refers to abuse that occurs between partners in an intimate relationship. This can include physical violence, emotional abuse, financial control, and other forms of mistreatment in a married or non-married relationship. Regardless of the terms used, both involve a cycle of violence in a relationship.
Domestic violence manifests differently depending on social, cultural, and systemic factors. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced severe intimate partner physical violence (NCADV, 2020). Women, however, remain disproportionately affected, particularly by sexual violence, threats, and coercive control. Men’s experiences typically involve emotional abuse, financial control, and isolation.
The LGBTQ community faces significantly higher rates of domestic violence than heterosexuals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bisexual women and men experience domestic violence at even higher rates than their heterosexual peers. Nearly 61% of bisexual women and 37% of bisexual men have experienced intimate partner violence (CDC, 2020). For lesbian and gay individuals, rates of violence also remain high, with the CDC reporting that approximately 44% of lesbians and 26% of gay men experience DV.
Healthcare professionals are often on the front lines when it comes to identifying and responding to domestic violence. Given the complex nature of abuse, healthcare professionals must be trained to recognize not just physical signs of abuse but also the emotional, financial, and psychological aspects. Healthcare workers, including nurses, social workers, case managers, and physicians, should maintain a high index of suspicion when they observe injuries or behaviors consistent with abuse, such as frequent hospital visits, inconsistent explanations of injuries, or signs of anxiety and depression.
Screening protocols for domestic violence should be integrated into routine care, especially in primary care, mental health, and emergency department settings. However, it is not enough for healthcare workers to identify potential abuse; they must also be equipped with the knowledge and resources to refer patients to appropriate services, including shelters, counseling, and legal aid.
More importantly, cultural humility plays a pivotal role in effectively supporting individuals experiencing domestic violence. Cultural humility encourages healthcare professionals to recognize and respect the different ways in which domestic violence manifests in various communities, which is often influenced by historical, social, and familial values.
For example, within Hispanic communities, ‘machismo’ and ‘familismo’—cultural values that emphasize male dominance and family unity—can impact how domestic violence is perceived. Victims may be reluctant to report abuse out of fear of breaking up the family or bringing shame to it.
In many Asian communities, the emphasis on family honor and collectivism can also prevent individuals from disclosing abuse. The stigma of dishonoring the family and expectations of self-sacrifice and obedience often keeps victims silent. Additionally, the lack of culturally appropriate services and language barriers may discourage victims from seeking support.
Within Black communities, historical experiences of systemic racism, police violence, and distrust of legal systems complicate how domestic violence is handled. Victims may be wary of involving law enforcement, fearing further marginalization or racial profiling. Community support systems may play a critical role, as formal interventions may not be trusted.
An LGBTQ person may be hesitant to disclose abuse due to fear of discrimination or homophobia. A transgender person might face challenges in finding shelters or services that are inclusive and affirming of their gender identity.
Domestic violence is a widespread issue that affects individuals of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, and communities. Healthcare professionals are in a unique position to identify and address domestic violence through screening and referrals. Still, they must do so with an understanding of the diverse experiences of their patients and clients. By adopting a framework of cultural humility, healthcare providers can better support survivors of domestic violence and connect them with the resources they need to heal.
To learn more about this topic, see CareerSmart’s course on Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse Reporting.
Author: Angie Jung, RN, BSN, CRRN, CCM
References:
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). *Intimate Partner Violence: Consequences*. Retrieved from [CDC Website](https://www.cdc.gov).
– National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. (2020). *Domestic Violence National Statistics*. Retrieved from [NCADV Website](https://www.ncadv.org).
– National Center for Transgender Equality. (2021). *The Report of the U.S. Transgender Survey*. Retrieved from [NCTE Website](https://www.transequality.org).
– Vega, W. A., & Sribney, W. M. (2020). *Cultural Factors in Domestic Violence Prevention*. Social Work Research, 44(2), 110-117.
