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Implementing a Strengths-Based Approach to Intimate Partner Violence Worldwide

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Abstract

Family violence is a core social issue in every country around the world. The extent and consequence of family violence as a major problem has received increased attention around the world. The focus of the present study is not only to inform about intimate partner violence (IPV) that occurs in individual countries, but to illustrate how individuals, families, communities, and cultures use their strengths to overcome the challenges that violence presents. An analysis of 16 countries, including 17 cultures is represented and includes all seven of the world’s major geocultural areas. Qualitative methodology was used to examine the stories of intimate partner violence in which similarities and differences across cultures were discovered resulting in a theoretical discussion of findings. The International Family Strengths Model was applied to examine the family strengths, community strengths, and cultural strengths used to mitigate family violence worldwide. Individual strengths emerged as a new and important component of the model. Suggestions for change include recognition of differing solutions across cultures, the need for mediation and policy changes, and the importance of empowerment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family Studies and Interior Design, University of Nebraska at Kearney, 905 W. 25th Street, Kearney, NE, 68849, USA

    Sylvia M. Asay

  2. Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA

    John DeFrain

  3. Voices of Hope, Lincoln, NE, USA

    Marcee Metzger

  4. Family Violence Council, Lincoln, NE, USA

    Bob Moyer

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  1. Sylvia M. Asay
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  2. John DeFrain
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  3. Marcee Metzger
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  4. Bob Moyer
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Correspondence to Sylvia M. Asay.

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Asay, S.M., DeFrain, J., Metzger, M. et al. Implementing a Strengths-Based Approach to Intimate Partner Violence Worldwide. J Fam Viol 31, 349–360 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-015-9770-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-015-9770-2

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