Intimate Partner Violence Services in Hawai‘i: Differences in Cultural Readiness by Island and Type of Agency

Abstract

Although there are many services available to female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), current services are not accessible to certain groups because of language barriers or the lack of culturally appropriate services. It is important to consider the many different cultures when providing services, as many are left out. In particular, a focus on the cultural readiness of agencies serving victims of IPV is especially needed in Hawai‘i. In the present study, I examined the relationship among the agency’s cultural readiness, location (e.g., O‘ahu vs. Hawai‘i island), and type of agency (e.g., counseling-based vs. medical/legal) in Hawai‘i. Interviews with executive directors from 52 agencies were coded for cultural appropriateness of services provided, cultural readiness to provide services, and implement prevention initiatives. Differences were found between island, type of agency, and cultural readiness. Results showed that Hawai‘i island had higher scores on some cultural readiness variables than O‘ahu. Also, as for type of agency, counseling-based agencies had higher scores on some cultural readiness variables than medical/legal organizations. Findings suggest the importance of considering these and other agency characteristics in both how services are delivered, and the philosophy behind providing services and implementing prevention initiatives.