Degree Date

6-2025

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy

Academic Discipline

Community Psychology

First Advisor

Judah Viola

Second Advisor

Brad Olson

Third Advisor

Sharon Wasco

Abstract

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains a pervasive public health and social justice issue globally, with African immigrant women in the United States facing compounded challenges as they navigate cultural, structural, and systemic barriers, including migration-related vulnerabilities and attachment to cultural values that shape their decisions and experiences. Although formal IPV services exist, they often fail to address the lived realities and culturally specific needs of this population, leading to underutilization and barriers in seeking help. This qualitative study examines how cultural norms, psychosocial barriers, and systemic inequities influence safety perceptions and help-seeking behaviors among African immigrant women survivors of IPV. Findings from in-depth interviews with frontline service providers and community leaders highlight the disconnection between existing IPV services and culturally anchored realities of African immigrant women. Participants pointed out the need for culturally relevant and community-informed strategies for enhanced service provision, such as safe communal spaces, inclusion of informed faith and spiritual leaders as change agents, co-educational prevention programs, and linguistically accessible outreach from trusted community organizations and service providers who understand the cultural contexts of African immigrant women. The insights provide the opportunity to potentially align services with the needs and values of African immigrant communities. This study contributes novel qualitative data that reflects an understanding of how cultural norms and psychological barriers shape African immigrant women’s IPV experiences. The findings offer an interpretive synthesis that can serve as a foundation for dialogue, co-creation, and partnership development of practical community-informed pathways and culturally relevant consideration for service provision. It also contributes to the growing discourse on equity-driven service design and supports future collaboration with communities in developing responsive, attuned frameworks. Sustainable change needs to be co-created with the communities it serves, amplifying their voices, respecting their values, and restoring their agency. Culturally attuned, these approaches ultimately promote equity and safety for African immigrant women.

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