Culturally Sustaining Approaches to Prevention

Purpose

This toolkit is for organizations who provide support for people experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). It provides a focus on the Black community which is often underserved and under-resourced.

The goals are to:

• Amplify the voices and needs of Black women. This will help us be more responsive to the needs, hopes, and strengths of Black women and girls. 

• Strengthen culturally sustaining practices engaging the strengths of the Black community. This will build an ecosystem of community members, survivors and organizations to support one another. 

• Create forward movement. Tools will be provided to help develop clear next steps and an action plan.

It is important to note that experiences of intimate partner violence in the Black community are not a monolith. While this toolkit explores the effects of intimate partner violence for this particular group, subcultures must be considered when understanding the survivor journey. This toolkit acknowledges the systemic iniquities that the Black community experiences. These practices apply to all individuals, including those in the LGBTQ community.

Thank you to the RCF Connects Equity for Black Women and Girls team and sisters from the Sister Circles for your inputs to this toolkit.

We are grateful for your wisdom and insights.

We hope this toolkit will help us all align with and support RCF Connects’ commitment to make sure Black women and girls will be seen, heard, and served.

Use this Companion Guide as you go through this toolkit to capture reflections.

Please click here for a downloadable version of this toolkit.

Want to dig in more? Access this Literature Review to support efforts to bolster intimate partner violence prevention efforts using a racial equity lens.

Purpose | Using this toolkit | Framework for change | Understand experiences | Develop strategies | Create spaces | Co-design services | Implement strategies | Amplify efforts

Using this toolkit

It is important to identify where gaps exist for families going through intimate partner violence. As we do this, we can focus on the needs of families that are historically undervalued and underserved. 

We can also work to identify the strengths and resources that are available. We have an opportunity to strengthen and amplify what is working for Black families and communities. 

The approach in this toolkit fosters change and creative thinking.

Note: We offer the following definition of intimate partner violence (IPV) by the Office of Women’s Health, Health and Human Resources Administration (HRSA) Implementation Framework:

• Physically and emotionally abusive behaviors by a current or former intimate partner, dating partner, or spouse.

• These behaviors may include physical or sexual violence, sexual coercion, stalking, cyber abuse and cyberstalking, controlling behaviors, and psychological aggression.

• Intimate partner violence is a form of gender-based violence, which consists of harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender.

• Intimate partner violence may intersect with various other forms of and experiences with violence within relationships, families, households, or communities, including domestic, interpersonal and sexual violence, and human trafficking.

Purpose | Using this toolkit | Framework for change | Understand experiences | Develop strategies | Create spaces | Co-design services | Implement strategies | Amplify efforts

Framework for change

We have organized this toolkit to follow a collaborative change framework. This framework centers the people we serve by better understanding and engaging people’s experiences, needs, strengths and hopes.

This framework is flexible. At any point you might move from one element to another as you continue to center those you serve. 

Purpose | Using this toolkit | Framework for change | Understand experiences | Develop strategies | Create spaces | Co-design services | Implement strategies | Amplify efforts

Understand people’s experiences along the survivor journey

Cultural factors can impact people's experiences. The survivor journey helps us explore and better understand the experience of Black women and girls. It is recognized that being a survivor is only a part of the experience. Individuals have the freedom to determine how they define their experiences.

Education and prevention

Education about healthy relationships in the Black community Education comes from social media, faith affiliations, or family norms.

Warning signs

Warning signs are when red flags present themselves and there is a risk of intimate partner violence occurring. Some of the warning signs include: 

• isolation

• power

• control

• excessive criticism

Increasing severity

Increasing severity is when survivors may experience:

• serious injuries

• public humiliation

• law enforcement or child protective services become involved

This is where the common “Strong Black Woman” stereotype can hurt Black women and girls. There is an idea that Black women can handle mistreatment and stress because of historical resilience.

Staying in contact

Staying in contact is where Black women learn how to maintain safety upon separation or while staying in contact with a partner. Sometimes contact is by choice, sometimes by necessity, and sometimes it is ordered by a court. In addition, children are likely to have ongoing contact with the parent who is or was abusive, even if their parents are no longer together.

The following are examples of people who remain in contact: 

• person remaining in a relationship with a partner who is or was abusive

• person has left a relationship with a partner who is or was abusive and has ongoing contact

• children who are in contact with either or both parents

Survivorship

Survivorship is important as people continue to navigate their lives.

It is also critical in cases of intimate partner violence fatalities. In these situations, families and communities are:

• supported in the grief process 

• efforts are made to prevent revenge and seek justice

• families may become IPV advocates and work to keep their loved one's spirit alive 

Author Takari Talmore offers a solution for anyone seeking to escape the devastating grip of Intimate Partner Violence. Readers have the opportunity to explore a newfound strength within to break free from the cycle of abuse and reclaim their life.

Learn more: “Hey Girl Hey: Sorry, Can't Fix This” https://a.co/d/02Kqkitn

Purpose | Using this toolkit | Framework for change | Understand experiences | Develop strategies | Create spaces | Co-design services | Implement strategies | Amplify efforts

Develop strategies for culturally responsive services and supports

Now that we looked at how survivors move through the journey, let’s look at how individuals and organizations can support survivors throughout the journey.

Education and prevention

• Amplify healthy examples of Black love

• Provide self-esteem building moments

• Educate on healthy relationships, the use of power and control, and warning signs of intimate partner violence

Warning signs

• Empower survivors to create and apply boundaries

• Engage street teams, a team of community members who are educating their neighbors

• Offer counseling provided by counselors who understand the needs

• Medical assessments that consider cultural differences 

• Provide services and supports to leave a connection early

Severity increases

• Recognize Black women are faced with the task of finding balance between seeking help and protecting themselves

• Support the survivor and strive for a safe and successful separation

• Engage faith groups to give spiritual guidance and support to survivors and partners

• Advocate for law enforcement to be equitable in interventions

• Ensure shelters meet the needs of Black women

• Provide free legal aid

Stay in contact

• Highlight strengths and ensure knowledge of the need of boundaries

• Support safe contacts with managed visits or exchanges

• Provide emotional support during court activities

• Help families get through Children and Family Services involvement

• Assist survivors in getting counseling for those who are in contact

Survivorship

• Provide support to survivors, families and communities

• Assist with legal needs

• Support families in seeking justice

• Be available for families as they grieve

• Make efforts in avoiding revenge

• Assist in conflict resolution or violence intervention

Purpose | Using this toolkit | Framework for change | Understand experiences | Develop strategies | Create spaces | Co-design services | Implement strategies | Amplify efforts

Create spaces to lift up the voices of communities and Black women and girls

Consider the following in how you can create safe spaces.

Include diverse perspectives

• Identify key partners who have an understanding of how to intervene and prevent intimate partner violence 

• Highlight different strengths and perspectives of the survivor journey

• Include Black women in discussions, decision-making, and events

• Providing space for survivors to tell their story 

• Offer mentorship moments to and from survivors 

• Validate people’s experiences 

Expand reach and access 

• Use each other's networks and outreach channels

• Partner with neighboring groups expands the reach

• Lift voices through storytelling 

Increase credibility 

• Strengthen trust among survivors by using their input

• Use active listening skills

• Ensure that staff reflects the community 

• Establish partnerships with Black-led organizations

• Address issues of unfair treatment

Mobilize the community

• Offer workshops, events, and support groups that celebrate black culture 

• Make sure systems are visible and accessible to the Black community 

• Empower community to take action to prevent intimate partner violence In the Black community

• Advocate for community policies to be put in place to address all forms of injustice

House of Loving Hands strives to mobilize the community by hosting community events that are accessible to the Black community.

Learn more here: https://houseoflovinghands.org or by emailing houseoflovinghands2018@gmail.com.

Purpose | Using this toolkit | Framework for change | Understand experiences | Develop strategies | Create spaces | Co-design services | Implement strategies | Amplify efforts

Support Black women and girls to lead and co-design services

Community buy-in and collaboration are essential for intimate partner violence intervention. Black women and girls rely on one another for support and guidance.

Joint efforts and trust enhances the power of these programs.

• Center Black women and girls’ voices 

• Amplify leadership of Black women and girls

• Listen to communities about their needs 

• Form partnerships and collaborate with neighboring systems

• Recruit community messengers

• Tailor outreach and information

• Build ties with influential community partners

• Door to door outreach 

In Contra Costa County, the RCF Connects Equity for Black Women and Girls initiative is leading the way with Sister Circles. Sister Circles create an inclusive, energized space for Black women and girl’s bodies and voices to be present in deep listening, mutual respect, and acceptance.​ 

Learn more here: https://rcfconnects.org/initiative/equity-for-black-women-and-girls/ or by emailing info@richmondcf.org. 

Purpose | Using this toolkit | Framework for change | Understand experiences | Develop strategies | Create spaces | Co-design services | Implement strategies | Amplify efforts

Implement strategies integrating pillars of cultural responsiveness

The following pillars are essential for implementing IPV prevention strategies and creating safer, healthier communities that are tailored to their needs.

Self-determination and autonomy respects the rights of Black women and girls. It fosters a shared and empowering approach in their journey towards: 

• Safety

• Healing

• Independence

Tips: Integrate healing and trauma-informed principles into services and support. 

• These include principles such as self-determination, respect, collaboration, and support. 

• You can find more resources in our online modules and our trauma-informed principles toolkit. 

A strengths-based approach validates survivors' experiences and capabilities. This approach empowers Black women and girls to:

• Reclaim control over their lives

• Foster resilience

• Build a foundation for long-term healing and empowerment

Tips: Build on strengths.

• Identify what is working well in the organization to amplify the existing skills of team members.

• Consider how your organization can utilize resources that are already in place to carry out culturally sustaining programs. 

• Explore how your current resources contribute to sustainability of services.

Community buy-in helps Black women and girls be a driving force. It centers them in a culture of: 

• Accountability

• Support

• Prevention

Tips: Strengthen community buy-in to create a culture of prevention and safety. 

• Evaluate opportunities and creative ways to reach the target population.

Purpose | Using this toolkit | Framework for change | Understand experiences | Develop strategies | Create spaces | Co-design services | Implement strategies | Amplify efforts

Amplify efforts and celebrate progress 

Building a supportive network can lead to holistic healing. The goal is enhanced efforts, policy change, and systemic reform. 

Here are a few ways you can align efforts and recognize and celebrate progress.

Organize and participate in training & capacity building

• Organize joint training sessions or capacity-building workshops for staff, volunteers, and partners

• Focus on topics such as healing and trauma-informed practices and cultural responsiveness

Formalize partnerships

• Identify common goals

• Consider partnerships through formal agreements

• Have clear obligations for joint efforts

• Ensure mutual duty of joint efforts

Engage in continuous learning

• Strive to assess and understand the impact of joint efforts

• Identify what is contributing to progress

• Identify hopes for improvement

• Share assessment results, lessons learned, and stories to inspire change

Need a hand? 

Thank you for exploring our toolkit. We enjoyed having you and hope for this information to transform your service of Black women and girls. We are committed to confidentiality, cultural responsiveness, and ongoing support ensures that you get comprehensive assistance and support toward safety and healing.

We’re here to help and support you. We offer consultation and capacity building opportunities for you or your agency. If you encounter a technical hiccup or want to journey through partnership opportunities, fill out the form below to send us a message.

Here are some local and national resources that could be useful.

Purpose | Using this toolkit | Framework for change | Understand experiences | Develop strategies | Create spaces | Co-design services | Implement strategies | Amplify efforts