Indigenous Survivors of IPV

With a violent history of colonization and continued violence against Indigenous women, finding support is complex and a life-long journey. In collaboration with the Indigenous Circle of Wellness and Seven Generations Child and Family Services, we explored how Indigenous women seek support as survivors of intimate partner violence.

CLIENT
Indigenous Circle of Wellness
Seven Generations Child and Family Services

MY ROLE
Researcher

TIMELINE
Mid 2020 - Early 2022

PROBLEM

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against Indigenous women is a significant public health issue. A comprehensive and culturally-sensitive approach is needed to understand how survivors seek support and find healing from violence.

PROJECTS

SECONDARY ANALYSIS

I conducted an analysis using the 2010 National Intimate and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS). We wanted to know where survivors were going for support.

My favorite part was creating a conceptual framework using existing research to perform the analysis.

ETHNOGRAPHY, COMMUNITY CIRCLES, & ORAL HISTORIES

I conducted an ethnography, which culminated in the community partnerships and research alignment with community needs.

I led Community Circles with survivors who shared their experiences in seeking support. This was followed up with Oral Histories with willing participants to dive deeper into understanding how and why they sought support as survivors.

This research taught me relational accountability, transparency, and reflexivity. Establishing relationships with key leaders in the Indigenous community contributed greatly to survivors’ trust in telling me their stories.

IMPACT

Community Report of insights and identified needs to community partners and participants.

Comprehensive understanding of long-term support-seeking behaviors among Indigenous survivors beyond the usual public health prevention and immediate survivor assistance.