Introduction

As the population of the US has grown and diversified over the past 20 years, cultural competency in violence prevention and service delivery has become increasingly vital. Census estimates suggest that the US population will be substantially more racially and ethnically diverse by 2060 (US Census Bureau, 2012). Specifically, the total minority population is projected to increase dramatically—from 37% in 2012 to 57% by 2060 (US Census Bureau, 2012). The US is projected to become a majority-minority country by 2043—meaning that, although non-Hispanic whites will still represent the largest group, no single group will make up the majority (US Census Bureau, 2012). It is thus problematic that mainstream prevention programs do not have a larger focus on cultural factors associated with the prevalence and consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV) within a growing population of people of color. In addition, many programs do not adapt their curricula to account for other aspects of culture, for example sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, age, or disability. It is no longer appropriate to assume that mainstream treatment and prevention work targeting the general population will be effective with increasingly diverse populations that have historically been understudied and are often underserved in the social services and prevention arenas.

Within the fields of mental health, trauma, and IPV, it is generally accepted that for interventions to be effective they must be specifically tailored to the needs, values, and experiences of the survivors they treat. There are many factors that can influence an individual's experience of IPV; these include perceptions of abuse, access to services, response to interventions, and perspectives and constraints on leaving a relationship. Specific cultural factors are also vital and include—but are not limited to—the role of family; language; faith; community; acculturation process; and gender roles. In order to provide effective prevention and reduce barriers, programs must recognize these factors and appropriately respond to them.

In recent years, violence research has begun to draw attention to underserved and understudied populations, such as people of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals; the elderly; and disabled people. While there has been progress in this arena, continued efforts need to be made to highlight how different communities are affected by violence and what best methods can be used in prevention.