Race, Culture and Domestic Violence Resources

Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2021

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our mission is to shed light on how race and culture intersect with domestic violence.

Culture has been defined as the customs, arts, social institutions and achievements of a nation, people, or other social group. Race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, family makeup and religious affiliation, among other factors, can all contribute to cultural identity.

The Impact of Culture

While domestic violence can impact anyone regardless of race, socioeconomic status or gender identity, for example, how someone experiences domestic violence is often impacted by their cultural background. Each victim brings cultural norms with them that influence how they experience and react to domestic violence.

Services designed to help victims must identify and understand the cultural values and norms that impact each victim. Providers must identify the cultural protective factors that are available to each victim and provide services that foster trust and a non-judgmental stance. Most importantly, providers must not impose their own cultural values on victims.

At Family Centered Services of CT, we are committed to creating a culture that does not tolerate domestic violence. We invite you to explore our library of resources and information that aim to combat and prevent domestic violence.