A Way Forward with Intersectionality: An Integrative Review of Women’s Experiences with Intimate Partner Violence 

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is uniquely posited as both a public health challenge and an affront to human rights that spares no social group. Women, as victims, constitute two thirds of all instances of IPV worldwide (United Nations, 2013), though it is likely that this number is much higher as it speaks nothing of the women who are at risk of violence due to circumstances beyond their control. Intimate partner violence is a complex, ‘wicked’ problem that requires a proactive and upstream approach to address with an intersectional and gender equity lens. Such opportunities must be innovative, universally accessible, and demonstrate awareness of the multitude of intersections experienced by women (I.e., race, education, social status). This study examines the application of intersectionality as a framework to women’s experiences of intimate partner violence. Methods: The authors’ conducted an integrative review using the Whittemore and Knafl (2005) methodology. The search identified primary research papers from five databases, including Scopus, Soc Index, Criminal Justice Web of Science, and Public Health during March and April 2022. A total of 1686 articles were distilled into a final four articles that were that werereviewed and analysed extensively by two reviewers. Results: The major themes that emerged from the review included: (a) intersectionality as a critical social framework can inform holistic IPV interventions across disciplines and sectors; (b) intersectionality provides a unique lens through which to address the inherent power imbalance of IPV; and (c) interventions framed within an intersectional framework can be used to promote women’s agency and reclamation of self. Conclusions: The need for an intersectional approach to IPV is agreed upon and, given the urgency of this issue, the findings establish a way forward for intersectional research and presents connections between intersectionality and IPV. It is in these connections where interventions, policies, and programs can be developed to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach for survivors.