Network Model for Providing Culturally Competent Services for Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence

• NCJ Number: 217345
• Journal: Violence Against Women Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2007 Pages: 190-209
• Author(s): Daniel J. Whitaker; Charlene K. Baker; Carter Pratt; Elizabeth Reed; Sonia Suri; Charlene Pavlos; Beth Jacklin Nagy; Jay Silverman
• Date Published: February 2007
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article describes the Collaborative for Abuse Prevention in Racial and Ethnic Communities (CARE) network model as it was implemented in two Latino communities in Massachusetts.

Abstract

The implementation data under analysis indicate that the CARE model is an economically efficient and viable way of expanding VAW services to specific ethnic minority communities. Existing organizations that serve victims and perpetrators of violence against women (VAW) in two Latino communities in Massachusetts were brought together under the CARE network model to promote the provision of culturally competent services and services utilization by Latino families experiencing violence problems. The analysis focused on the concrete changes observed in the agency’s policies as a result of the network and the lessons learned through the network approach. Some of the key changes in agency policies that came about as a result of the CARE network service provision include staff who are conversational in Spanish; agency materials are translated into Spanish; Latina residents at domestic violence (DV) shelters are now able to contact family; and no limit is placed on the length of stay for women in DV shelters with immigration issues. Other changes include greater coordination between battered women’s programs and the Batterer Intervention Program (BIP), the introduction of home visits by program staff, and the establishment of a formal referral system. Lessons learned in implementing the CARE network model were that a bilingual and bicultural community-based staff is essential; agency policies might need to be adapted to provide culturally appropriate programming; men should be involved in education and outreach activities; and VAW should be addressed in the context of other services. Data included monthly reports completed by network coordinators for each organization, semiannual interviews with the network coordinators and program director, and participant observations from network meetings and events. Future research should focus on measuring client satisfaction and outcomes resulting from the CARE model of service provision. Tables, note, references