Understanding Rurality and Gender-based Violence

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

GBV has profound effects on victims in rural areas due to culturally constructed gender roles, the density of acquaintanceship, the stigma of abuse and poverty, a lack of access to housing and services, and other barriers. It is important to examine theories of violence and characteristics of rural victimization to provide service providers with policy recommendations to respond to geographically unique challenges. The current thematic panel will examine domestic violence and sexual assault issues in rural communities that have not been well studied due to a lack of accessible data and seminal mainstream criminological research focused on densely-populated areas. In particular, the presenters focus on the characteristics of survivors in rural communities, unique cultural and religious barriers survivors face in rural communities, the intersectionality of domestic violence and social inequality, and needs assessment in victim services in rural and remote areas.

Sub Unit

• Area V. Victimization / 38. Policy and Prevention of Victimization

Individual Presentations

• Comparing the Characteristics of Rural and Urban IPV Against Women - Nicholas J. Richardson, RTI International; Samuel Scaggs, RTI International; Camara Wooten, RTI International; Kelle Barrick, RTI International

• Religious responses for rural sexual assault survivors - April N. Terry, Fort Hays State University

• Trying to Avoid Coyotes”: The Nexus of Rurality, Domestic Violence, and Social Inequality - Amy M. Magnus, California State University, Chico

• The Needs Assessment of Intimate Partner Violence Victims in Rural America - Ziwei Qi, Fort Hays State University; Megan Shepard, Fort Hays State University; Loganne Ditter, Fort Hays State University

• College Students’ Perceptions of Interpersonal Violence - Tamara J. Lynn, Fort Hays State University