Participation Type
Poster
Session Title
Session 3.09 Poster Session
Presentation #1 Title
Social and Cultural Factors as a Catalyst for Change: A Phenomenological Study of Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence in Knox County, Kentucky
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
This poster presentation will discuss plans for and the design of a qualitative study, which focuses on the decision-making process of women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) in Knox County, Kentucky. Specifically, this study will look at the influence of social and cultural factors on decisions to end the relationship. Participants will be interviewed and allowed to share their stories in one to two taped conversational settings. This project will give a voice to the unique perspectives of the lives of Appalachian women, as well as insuring the experiences of the participants will be clearly articulated in the literature. The purpose of this study is to look at this small, insular community in order to learn the unique challenges they face, and apply these lessons to more varied communities that may face similar challenges. This study will also aid in classroom learning and discussion in social work settings, describing the ways unique approaches to community engagement and intervention, specifically by utilizing popular culture to facilitate discussion. Overall, this study will glean important information for current and future practitioners in the area that can then be applied to current treatment and intervention models. Given the sensitive nature of the topic, the experiences of the participants, and the history of exploitation in this region throughout the history of Appalachia, this project will potentially serve as a lesson in culturally sensitive inquiry and positive intervention in ways that will maximize not only the benefits to the research, but especially the population.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
- Christian J. Messer Gaitskill is a Master of Social Work candidate for May, 2015 at Northern Kentucky University. She is currently working on gathering participants for her study regarding the reasons women leave abusive relationships in Knox County, Kentucky.
Social and Cultural Factors as a Catalyst for Change: A Phenomenological Study of Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence in Knox County, Kentucky
MSC Lobby
This poster presentation will discuss plans for and the design of a qualitative study, which focuses on the decision-making process of women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) in Knox County, Kentucky. Specifically, this study will look at the influence of social and cultural factors on decisions to end the relationship. Participants will be interviewed and allowed to share their stories in one to two taped conversational settings. This project will give a voice to the unique perspectives of the lives of Appalachian women, as well as insuring the experiences of the participants will be clearly articulated in the literature. The purpose of this study is to look at this small, insular community in order to learn the unique challenges they face, and apply these lessons to more varied communities that may face similar challenges. This study will also aid in classroom learning and discussion in social work settings, describing the ways unique approaches to community engagement and intervention, specifically by utilizing popular culture to facilitate discussion. Overall, this study will glean important information for current and future practitioners in the area that can then be applied to current treatment and intervention models. Given the sensitive nature of the topic, the experiences of the participants, and the history of exploitation in this region throughout the history of Appalachia, this project will potentially serve as a lesson in culturally sensitive inquiry and positive intervention in ways that will maximize not only the benefits to the research, but especially the population.
