IPV Essay (1)a - INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE PDF

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Breaking the Barriers of Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence from a Social Justice Perspective Guelph Humber Social Work in Canada- FCSS*1000 Professor: Sunday, November 17, 2019

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Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been a social justice issue that has played a significant role in perpetuating oppression within marginalized communities over an extended period of time. It can be seen through a lens where men over-power women in relationships, both physically and mentally (Ristock, 2002). Heterosexual relationships are typically the focus in society, while same-sex relationships are left unrecognized. Lesbian women go through more incidents with IPV over the span of a lifetime in comparison to heterosexual women; additionally, the violence experienced by this population is often categorized as more intense. (Lewis et al, 2015). This essay will analyze the components that further perpetuate the marginalization of lesbian IPV which is shown through: academia, stigma, support services, and the legal system. It will also relate key social work concepts in practice such as ethics, values, principles, diversity, and social justice which has and continues to be used in ways to mitigate against the marginalization of same-sex intimate partner violence, as well creating a foundation for social justice. Diversity at its core is one of social works underpinnings in creating a path to social inclusion and social justice. According to the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) respect for diversity is a principle that works towards strengthening inclusive communities by understanding the

ethnic and cultural diversities in societies (IFSW, 2019). One of the main issues when trying to understand same-sex intimate partner violence is that there is a lack of academic research on the topic. The information available on IPV is regarded primarily as a heteronormative experience, which in turn structures research from a heteronormative framework. In a research study on IPV, Wasarhaley, Lynch, Golding & Renzetti note that “IPV INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

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in the TSLGBTQ population has not been studied as frequently as in the heterosexual population: in 2015, research on TSLGBTQ IPV constituted a mere 3% of total research on the subject” (2015). The lack of knowledge and information on the topic of same-sex IPV leads to assumptions and stereotypes that perpetuate the marginalization of this population. Without acknowledging and addressing the reality of same-sex intimate partner violence, the severe and detrimental effects that it can cause will continue to go unseen. Research has shown that domestic service providers have failed to believe that women could hurt other women (Wasarhaley, Lynch, Golding & Renzetti, 2015). The lack of research is a call for cultural competency, which is a guideline that is embedded in the social concept of diversity. According to the NASW cultural competence in social work means having the awareness and knowledge of how diverse populations experience their uniqueness and deal with their differences and similarities within a larger social context (NASW, 2015). The implementation of working from a diverse, and culturally competent practice would help break the barriers and stigmatization on the topic of same-sex intimate partner violence. NASW “promotes and supports the implementation of cultural and linguistic competence at three intersecting levels: the individual, institutional, and societal (2015).” Accomplishing diversity within a marginalized population is done by advocacy, activism, and by impeding the structures that continue to oppress marginalized populations. By challenging power and privilege, and by acting as an ally, the structural oppression that has been created against individuals struggling from same-sex IPV will then be combatted.

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The Code of Ethics provides a framework for Social Workers to conduct their practice by outlining ethical responsibilities to clients (Ives, Denov & Sussman, 2015, p. 67). However, ethical social work practice as it relates to same-sex IPV can be challenging due to the barriers same-sex partners experience when seeking help and accessing services. Ives et al. states that The Code requires Social Workers to have “a responsibility to maintain professional proficiency, to continually strive to increase their professional knowledge and skills, and to apply new knowledge in practice commensurate with their level of education, skills and competency, seeking consultation and supervision as appropriate (CASW, 2005a, p.8)” (2015, p. 67). Same-sex partners in violent relationships reported that service providers were not adequately trained to effectively communicate with the clients they serve. Specifically, the language being used among service providers is heterosexist; thereby alienating the clients with assumptions being made about the gender of the perpetrator and victim (Simpson & Helfrich, 2014, p. 458-459). For this reason, to prevent further marginalization and discrimination, service providers must be intentional about using language that is inclusive for all, so that same-sex victims of IPV will be feel more comfortable to disclose the abuse in their relationships (West, 2002, p. 126). In addition, discrimination in the form of homophobia is an issue that needs to be addressed in social service agencies. Simpson & Helfrich (2014) explain that homophobia is so prevalent that many feel vilified and powerless. They also state that many women feel that traditional avenues of support for assistance are off limits with lesbian IPV as a result of homophobia (p. 452). Ives et al. clearly state that Social Workers must maintain the integrity of their practice with same-sex IPV clients, by not allowing personal values and biases to impact their service delivery and decision making (2015). With same-sex IPV being an issue that does not have as much attention INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

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as heterosexual IPV, ethical practice is essential. Simpson et al. portray clients have been on the other side of dignity and respect by service providers who have called them derogatory names or who have compromised client confidentiality, thus isolating the client even further (2014, p.458). Nonetheless,

if Social Workers refer to the Code to resolve ethical dilemmas pertaining to same-sex IPV, this will not only help survivors, but shed more light on a subject that has been hidden for too long. Social justice is a concept which emphasizes on providing equal opportunity to everyone to access resources. According to Heslop, Kelly, David, & Katreena, “the Department of Justice Canada has a mandate to ensure a strong justice system response to family violence with appropriate criminal laws and procedures that ensure offender accountability” (2016, p.5). Statistics Canada reported that IPV was highest within the age range of 20 – 24, and adults in their twenties and thirties has the greatest risk of being a victim of IPV (2013). Furthermore, 71% of IPV cases reported to police resulted in recommended or laid charges to individual accused of intimate violence (Statistics Canada, 2013). Ives et al. state that IPV occurs in trans-inclusive and same-sex intimate partnerships in a similar fashion to hetero and cis-identifying couples. Trans-inclusive people accessing resources as a result of IPV face barriers because there are few policies in Canada which particularly supports IPV amongst trans-inclusive and same-sex intimate partnership as compared to IPV in heterosexual couples (Ives et al., 2015). Furthermore, there are very few social services to support cases of IPV in trans-inclusive partners due to the complexity and systemic barriers encountered by TSLGBTQ individuals (Ives et al., 2015). While there are still strides to be made regarding IPV and social justice, there are INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

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positive steps being made. Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) produced a resource document in 2013 named “Best Practices in Policing and LGBTQ Communities in Ontario” which aids policing services as regards to LGBTQ community. The document is a living document and will be updated over time. In the document, it was acknowledged that IPV occurs within LGBTQ community, and the two major recommendations in the document stated:

“(1) Police should be adequately trained to handle IPV cases associated with LGBTQ environment and collaborate with LGBTQ community organizations which includes counseling providers and

shelters. (2) Create campaigns and publication to provide awareness on LGBTQ related IPV, and manners in which police handle such cases” (2013). Intimate partner violence is a terrible reality for many and has no place in our society. As social workers, we can continue to work towards systemic change that will eradicate the instances of IPV. However, we must also be mindful of how IPV affects the TSLGBTQ community and ensure our approach validates their unique experiences. By bringing awareness to diversity, ethics, and social justice, social workers can make certain that we are creating a safe space for our clients seeking support and offer them the best possible care, regardless of where they define themselves on the TSLGBTQ spectrum.

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References & Annotated Bibliography Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics. (2015, January 15). Family violence in Canada: A statistical profile, 2013. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/85-002x/2014001/article/14114-eng.pdf?st=tvwsUp6p This article profiles the following: overview of family violence, intimate partner violence, family violence against children and youth, and family violence against seniors. The article

defines intimate partner violence and provides differentiation between spousal and dating violence. The profile includes statistics of victims, perpetrators, arrests, and charges. The article concludes that intimate partner violence usually stems from a disagreement that escalates, and that women, particularly younger women, will experience intimate partner violence.

Heslop, L., Kelly, T., David, R., & Scott, K. (2016). Programming Responses for Intimate Partner Violence. Department of Justice Canada. Retrieved from https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/jr/ipv-vpi/ipv-vpi.pdf This article profiles the action plans that each province and territory has established as a response to intimate partner violence. A common response is psychoeducational programming that addresses offenders. Interestingly the language in this resource is heteronormative; it

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references the need to re-educate men, which immediately excludes an inclusive narrative. Other actions include cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy and life skills teaching. Ives, N., & Denov, M., & Sussman, T. (2015). Introduction to social work in Canada: Histories, contexts and practices. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press This textbook provides the framework to teach social workers ethical decision making, the importance of social justice, and how to embrace diversity. This text goes on to affirm the

rights of the TSLGBTQ population and discusses the effects of violence, barriers to services, and discrimination that this population faces. Discussed in the text is various theoretical frameworks that can be used to work with the TSLGBTQ population including intersectionality.

Lewis, R. J., Padilla, M. A., Milletich, R. J., Kelley, M. L., Winstead, B. A., Lau-Barraco, C., & Mason, T. B. (2015). Emotional Distress, Alcohol Use, and Bidirectional Partner Violence Among Lesbian Women. Violence Against Women, 21(8), 917-938. Retrieved from: https://journals-sagepub-com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/doi/full/10.1177/1077801215589375 This article discusses the risk factors that lesbian identified women face regarding intimate partner violence. The use of alcohol as a coping mechanism for emotional distress is discussed at length, and the cyclical connection to IPV. This study also discovered that individuals who identify as being in a lesbian relationship experience IPV at a rate of 12%, which is consistent with findings that young adults in heteronormative relationships experience IPV at a rate of 13%.

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National Association of Social Workers (2015). Standards and Indicators for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice. Retrieved from: https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=PonPTDEBrn4%3D&portalid=0 This article profiles the importance of standards for social workers to uphold including Ethics & Values; Self Awareness; Cross-Cultural Knowledge; Cross-Cultural Skills; Service Delivery; Empowerment & Advocacy; Diverse Workforce; Professional Education; Language

& Communication; and Leadership to Advance Cultural Competence. This piece emphasizes that sexual orientation and gender identity are an important part of cultural awareness and is necessary to recognize on micro and macro levels.

OACP Diversity Committee. (2013, November). Best Practices in Policing and LGBTQ Communities in Ontario. Retrieved from http://www.oacp.on.ca/Userfiles/Files/NewAndEvents/OACP%20LGBTQ%20final %20Nov2013.pdf This article outlines the best practices in policing regarding the TSLGBTQ community. This document delves into myths and stereotypes that may cause victims of IVP to not come forward and creates awareness for first responders involved. Recommendations include reaching out to TSLGBTQ spaces and launching an awareness campaign about IPV.

Ristock, J. (2002). No More Secrets: Violence in Lesbian Relationships. New York: Taylor and Francis. Retrieved from: INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

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http://web.a.ebscohost.com.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/ehost/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=e36f45592c36-4398-978a-3e712ae19372%40sdc-vsessmgr01&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl

Simpson, E.K., & Helfrich, C.A. (2014). Oppression and barriers to service for black, lesbian survivors of intimate partner violence. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 26(4), 441465. This article focuses on the lived experiences of Black lesbians who have experienced IPV. This population is facing multiple facets of discrimination and face unique, complex barriers that prevent them from accessing supportive services. The article discussed the importance of an intersectional approach as a strategy to working with this population.

Wasarhaley, N. E., Lynch, K. R., Golding, J. M., & Renzetti, C. M. (2017) The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Legal Perceptions of Lesbian Intimate Partner Violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 32(5), 635-658. Retrieved from https://journals-sagepubcom.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/doi/full/10.1177/0886260515586370 This article focuses on the perceptions and stereotypes of TSLGBTQ intimate partner violence; specifically, that in order for a heterosexual individual to make sense of it, they tend to view the interaction as involving both a “feminine” individual and “masculine” individual involved. Studies show that people assume that women are “non-violent”. In the case where IPV is present, they are more likely to believe that a woman perpetrated violence against her partner if INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

she presents as “masculine” or “butch”; however, are reluctant to afford the same if the perpetrator presents as “feminine”.

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West, C. (2002). Lesbian intimate partner violence: Prevalence and dynamics. Journal of Lesbian Studies, 6(1), 121-127. This text highlights the lack of research of IPV in the TSLGBTQ population. Focuses include what IPV looks like with this population, such as types of abuse and incident rates; the dynamics of the abuse itself; and what interventions can be made for this specific population....