Improving the response to intimate partner violence experienced by First Nations people in the primary care setting: provider perspectives on Manitoulin Island
Date
2019-10-18
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Abstract
Indigenous women and men living in Canada experience disproportionately high rates of
intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to non-Indigenous women and men, which is best
explained within a colonial context. Despite the wide range of adverse physical, sexual and
psychological outcomes of IPV, a coordinated approach to the phenomenon has yet to be
established in the healthcare and social services system on Manitoulin Island, a region in
Northeast Ontario. This project was aimed to address that gap at the primary care level through
community based participatory research. Using a Grounded Theory and qualitative research
approach, primary care providers (n=31) participated in focus groups and interviews to discuss
their perceptions of what is required to improve the response to IPV in the primary care setting.
The analysis focused on elucidating the barriers and facilitators that exist within current
practices, those of which prevent or ease the delivery of care to First Nation patients who are
experiencing IPV. Suggestions for culturally relevant improvements at a health care provision
and community level are discussed. Further studies should include knowledge translation back
into the communities on Manitoulin Island as well as the perspectives of the survivors of
intimate partner violence and their perception of what can be improved within current provider
practices.
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Keywords
Northern Ontario, Indigenous Peoples, First Nations, intimate partner violence, Firprimary care providers, Northern Ontario; Indigenous Peoples, First Nationscommunity based participatory approach