4236.0 Moving towards a holistic, community-based accountability approach through transformative justice for black women survivors of intimate partner violence

Session: Other Topics in Intimate Partner Violence

Program: Family Violence Prevention Caucus

Time: 3:00 - 3:15 PM

Presenter:

Trace Kershaw, PhD

Abstract

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent public health problem that disproportionately affects Black women. The current justice response relies on the criminal justice system, which is counterproductive for Black women IPV survivors. Specifically, racialized, sexist stereotypes prevent society from viewing Black women as victims or survivors than white counterparts, which heightens dual arrest rates and hinders the healing and accountability process. Transformative justice, a community-based justice approach designed to repair harm between the survivor and perpetrator in addition to transforming the social conditions that perpetuate violence, may be a promising approach to IPV justice and accountability. However, little is known about the justice preferences for Black women IPV survivors. Therefore, the study sought to understand Black women IPV survivors’ experiences interacting with police for IPV and their justice preferences.

Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15 Black women experiencing IPV were conducted from March 2021 to April 2022. Inductive analytic techniques from grounded theory were used to contextualize Black women IPV survivors’ experiences.

Results: One theme was identified that captured experiences interacting with the police among Black women IPV survivors: 1) fear and distrust of the police. Four themes were identified that captured justice preferences: 1) resolution through dialogue, 2) therapy and counseling services, 3) resource support, and 4) protection and prevention for children. Black women IPV survivors shared that fear and distrust of the police was mainly driven by anticipated discrimination by the police. Survivors’ justice preferences encompassed solution-based dialogue between the survivor and perpetrator mediated by family and trusted individuals in the community, therapy services, housing support, and attention to preventing the intergenerational cycle of IPV for children as part of a community-based, holistic justice response.

Conclusion: Interacting with police as part of the current justice response is counterproductive for Black women IPV survivors. Their preferences went beyond perpetrator accountability and addressed responsibilities of external systems and communities. Transformative justice may serve as a tool to promote equity and center Black women IPV survivors and their communities in the justice response for IPV.