Assessing Organizational Cultural Responsiveness among Refugee-Servicing Domestic Violence Agencies

Jessica L. Lucero, Kristina M. Scharp and Tanni Hernandez
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Jessica L. Lucero: Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
Kristina M. Scharp: Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
Tanni Hernandez: Touchstone Therapy Center, St. George, UT 84790, USA

Social Sciences, 2020, vol. 9, issue 10, 1-15

Abstract: Refugee community members who have experienced domestic violence in the U.S. face complex challenges in seeking help which may ultimately impact their ability to leave violent relationships. When domestic violence organizations are not prepared to serve them in culturally responsive ways, these challenges are exacerbated. This study surveyed 70 executive directors of domestic violence agencies in U.S. resettlement cities about the extent to which their organization’s practices reflected cultural responsiveness in serving refugee populations. The results showed promising indicators of organizational cultural responsiveness but uncovered numerous areas for growth. In particular, the study results underscore the need for organizations to improve their language supports and take active steps to outreach to, hire, and engage refugee communities in order to better serve them. This paper makes recommendations for how DV agencies can be more culturally responsive as they support refugee individuals who are seeking safety from violent relationships.

Keywords: refugees; domestic violence; cultural competence; organizational cultural responsiveness; diverse populations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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