title: African American Perspectives and Experiences of Domestic Violence in a Rural Community.
abstract: Relatively few studies have explored domestic violence from a multiplicity of African American perspectives, experiences, and socio-demographic backgroundswithinrural African American communities. Community-based participatory action research methods were used to explore domestic violence perceptions of African Americans with heterogeneous backgrounds and experiences of violence. Ten focus groups were held throughout the community with 52 diverse women (n= 33) and men (n= 19) living in the northwest region of Arkansas. Demographic data were collected from 47 women (n= 28) and men (n= 19) participating in focus groups regarding their perceptions and experiences of domestic violence, media messages, help-seeking behaviors, and services. Data were analyzed using grounded theory methods. Three major themes emerged, including (a) a heightened awareness of race, gender, and class differences; (b) imbalanced and mixed messages from media; and (c) multi-systemic dynamics influencing abusive behavior and relationships. Results indicate that study participants' perspectives and experiences with domestic violence reflect a complex interrelated gamut of societal, community, familial, and individual dynamics. Participant recommendations related to interpersonal dynamics, media messages, and societal influences are reported with implications for practice, policy, and future research.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA.
authors.lastname: Valandra
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA.
authors.forename: Yvette
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Murphy-Erby
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA.
authors.forename: Brandon M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA.
authors.forename: Lucy M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000379:methods*; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: African American rural communities; community–based participatory action research; disclosure of domestic violence; perceptions of domestic violence and cultural context