Abstracts Category : Other

We are only as blind as we want to be: institutional racism and domestic violence in the African American community

by Rose Marie Miller

Domestic violence impacts persons from all walks of life, however, it has been estimated that African Americans experience a disproportionate amount of intimate partner violence (IPV) when compared to other racial groups. This study will differ by analyzing the effects of institutional racism experienced by African American females and examine whether IPV affects the African American community more than others. This study utilizes Robert Agnew???s General Strain Theory (GST) as a theoretical background to help highlight how strain can increase the risk for negative behavioral and emotional responses. This study uses a questionnaire from National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS). Results from that survey show that intimate partner violence affects both African Americans and Whites. Implications for future policies for culturally competent domestic violence programs are discussed.Advisors/Committee Members: Croisdale, Timothy Edward.