Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Goal Statement: My goal would be to contribute to the prevention and reduction of domestic violence in Lauderdale County, Alabama, by raising awareness, supporting and empowering survivors, and advocating for system-wide changes promoting education, the allocation of necessary aid, and community well-being.
Significant Findings: Domestic violence (DV) is a serious public health issue negatively affecting people worldwide, including in the city of Florence, Alabama. DV can cause a host of mental and physical consequences, such as poor self-esteem, internalized anger or resentment, severe injury, and even death (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2023). This issue can happen to individuals from all backgrounds and demographics. However, research suggests it is a gendered crime disproportionately impacting women, as well as other marginalized groups such as sexually diverse individuals and people of color (Connections for Abused Women and their Children [CAWC], 2023). Therefore, it is vital to incorporate various culturally relevant interventions to bring about positive change in Florence and prevent future violence.
Objectives/Strategies/Interventions/Next Steps: One strategy for effective DV prevention programming includes identifying and addressing the risk factors that may increase the likelihood of victimization or perpetration, such as heavy substance use, risky sexual conduct, previous history of experiencing or witnessing violence, reduced access to education, poverty, unsafe conditions in the community, ineffective community sanctions related to DV, and more (Access Continuing Education, Inc., n.d.; CDC, 2024b; CDC, 2024c). It would also be crucial to partner with community-based agencies, such as One Place of the Shoals or Safeplace Inc., to provide support and services to survivors to encourage positive outcomes and effectively reduce revictimization. Other recommendations for approaching this issue include adhering to ethical guidelines, prioritizing cultural sensitivity and responsiveness, and advocating at the institutional, community, and local levels to remove barriers to assistance for DV survivors and effectively prevent future victimization.
