Location
Room 3-085
Start Date
9-11-2018 10:45 AM
End Date
9-11-2018 11:45 AM
Presentation Type
Paper
Abstract
The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have brought about a social shift and cultural change that validates women and men who have reported sexual abuse in the workplace and other forms of abuse, including intimate partner violence. This movement follows in the footsteps of several decades of other pioneers who advocated and fought for survivors of all types of abuse. Their efforts have not only increased public awareness, but also brought about legislation, support systems, and a greater understanding regarding the complexity of intimate partner violence. Yet culturally diverse communities such as the Cape Verdean community continue to face a variety of complex challenges and barriers in addressing violence against women and children. Intimate partner violence is a well-known secret in the Cape Verdean community, yet unveiling this secret has been slow, often leaving families suffering in silence, their needs unmet. This paper presents The Cape Verdean Women’s Project (CVWP), a qualitative study with 50 women between the ages of 18-80. Findings are reported about Cape Verdean women’s perceptions of intimate violence, women’s strength and resilience, code of silence, and culture and violence. The paper chronicles the author’s experiences reporting research findings from the CVWP; the research was met with a combination of silence, resistance, acceptance, and support. The paper concludes with recommendations for future community engagement.
Included in
Community-Based Research Commons, Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons
A Scholar’s Reflection on Intimate Partner Violence in the Cape Verdean Community
Room 3-085
The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have brought about a social shift and cultural change that validates women and men who have reported sexual abuse in the workplace and other forms of abuse, including intimate partner violence. This movement follows in the footsteps of several decades of other pioneers who advocated and fought for survivors of all types of abuse. Their efforts have not only increased public awareness, but also brought about legislation, support systems, and a greater understanding regarding the complexity of intimate partner violence. Yet culturally diverse communities such as the Cape Verdean community continue to face a variety of complex challenges and barriers in addressing violence against women and children. Intimate partner violence is a well-known secret in the Cape Verdean community, yet unveiling this secret has been slow, often leaving families suffering in silence, their needs unmet. This paper presents The Cape Verdean Women’s Project (CVWP), a qualitative study with 50 women between the ages of 18-80. Findings are reported about Cape Verdean women’s perceptions of intimate violence, women’s strength and resilience, code of silence, and culture and violence. The paper chronicles the author’s experiences reporting research findings from the CVWP; the research was met with a combination of silence, resistance, acceptance, and support. The paper concludes with recommendations for future community engagement.
