Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been identified as a significant issue for pregnant and parenting adolescents. This study
thematically analyzed data from focus groups with service providers (n = 43) who work with pregnant and parenting adolescents to learn about barriers and strategies for addressing IPV. Service
providers described four primary barriers to addressing IPV with their adolescent clients: adolescent clients’ definitions
of love, intergenerational relationship patterns, cultural norms about gender and violence, and developmental-contextual considerations.
Service providers also indicated that they respond to adolescents’ IPV related concerns by taking steps to identify IPV, building
working relationships, and taking appropriate follow-up action. Results suggest that providers can benefit from increased
training and skill development in working with IPV, as well as working in interdisciplinary, collaborative teams to increase
effectiveness with challenging cases. Programs should consider integrating IPV prevention initiatives that target broader
social norms. Future research should pilot and test the effectiveness of targeted IPV training and programmatic interventions
with service providers who work with this population.
thematically analyzed data from focus groups with service providers (n = 43) who work with pregnant and parenting adolescents to learn about barriers and strategies for addressing IPV. Service
providers described four primary barriers to addressing IPV with their adolescent clients: adolescent clients’ definitions
of love, intergenerational relationship patterns, cultural norms about gender and violence, and developmental-contextual considerations.
Service providers also indicated that they respond to adolescents’ IPV related concerns by taking steps to identify IPV, building
working relationships, and taking appropriate follow-up action. Results suggest that providers can benefit from increased
training and skill development in working with IPV, as well as working in interdisciplinary, collaborative teams to increase
effectiveness with challenging cases. Programs should consider integrating IPV prevention initiatives that target broader
social norms. Future research should pilot and test the effectiveness of targeted IPV training and programmatic interventions
with service providers who work with this population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10896-011-9393-1
- Authors
- Shanti J. Kulkarni, Department of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
- Carol M. Lewis, School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Diane M. Rhodes, School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Journal Journal of Family Violence
- Online ISSN 1573-2851
- Print ISSN 0885-7482