We Have a Voice: An Examination of Intimate Partner Violence in a Native American Community

Violence Vict. 2023 Dec 11;38(6):799-818. doi: 10.1891/VV-2023-0055.

Abstract

Indigenous people experience a higher rate of intimate partner violence (IPV) than other racial/ethnic groups; however, limited research examines IPV among this population. In collaboration with a tribe in the western United States, this study surveyed a sample of indigenous people (N = 27) to learn about their experiences with victimization. Results show that respondents experienced high amounts of recent relationship and lifetime victimization, mostly consistent with previous literature. Additional issues and challenges emerged from the data, such as low reporting rates and service accessibility. These findings are contextualized within prior IPV literature, and we offer recommendations for future research.

Keywords: abuse; indigenous; reporting; trauma; victim services; victimization.

MeSH terms

  • American Indian or Alaska Native
  • Crime Victims*
  • Ethnicity
  • Humans
  • Intimate Partner Violence*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology