Intimate Partner Violence in Culturally Diverse Groups and Special Populations E238B

Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread phenomenon that affects individuals across gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, ability, gender identity, and geographic location. Research reveals that there are populations that experience IPV at disproportionately higher rates than other groups, and such factors as culture, gender identity, age, disability, geography, and socioeconomic status affect the incidence of IPV and responses to treatment (World Health Organization [WHO], 2025a). Individuals from minority cultural and ethnic groups experience higher rates of IPV than from majority groups. Special populations, like LGBTQ+ individuals and persons with disabilities, also experience higher rates of IPV. Intimate partner violence occurs in adolescent and young adult relationships as well as those with older adults. Despite women overwhelmingly being survivors of IPV, men can be survivors of IPV and need special considerations with respect to service provision. Further, survivors who live in rural areas have needs and challenges along with those who have low income. Members of these diverse populations likely have unique needs related to IPV. This learning material explores the sociocultural aspects of IPV in selected populations and is a resource for practitioners who work with survivors from diverse populations. The purpose of the course is to provide social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors with necessary information to improve services for clients and patients with IPV-related issues that occur in the context of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and affiliation with minority populations.

Course Format

This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test. When you’re ready, purchase the course by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe aspects of culture that shape varied meanings of IPV trauma.
2. Explain how minority stress theory applies to victims of IPV.
3. Identify IPV-related issues among survivors of varied cultural/ethnic groups.
4. Recognize special populations that are disproportionately affected by IPV and important factors related to their help seeking.

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Culture and Trauma
• Cultural and Social Norms That Support Violence
  • Child Maltreatment
  • Community Violence
  • Intimate Partner Violence
  • Child Marriages and Genital Mutilation
• Cultural and Ethnic Diversity Among IPV Survivors
  • Immigrants and Refugees
  • Latino/a/x Americans
  • African Americans
  • Asian Americans
  • Hawaiian Natives and Pacific Islanders
  • American Indians and Alaska Natives
  • Middle Eastern Americans (Western Asian American)
• Special Populations
  • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer+ (LGBTQ+) Individuals
  • Adolescents and Young Adults
  • Elders
  • Persons With Disabilities
  • Men
  • Geographically Isolated Individuals
  • Economically Disadvantaged Individuals
• Summary

Author

Teresa Crowe, PhD, LICSW, LCSWC

Teresa Crowe, PhD, LICSW, LCSWC is a licensed clinical social worker in the District of Columbia and Maryland. She is a professor of social work at Gallaudet University and teaches practice, theory, and research in the MSW program. She coordinates a telemental health program for deaf children and adults through Arundel Lodge, Inc. in Edgewater, MD. Her recent research focuses on deaf and hard-of-hearing populations, especially in behavioral health, intimate partner violence, telemental health, well-being, and help-seeking.  

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/8/24-8/8/27.

Social workers completing this course receive 3 cultural competence continuing education credits.

This course has been approved by CE4Less.com, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #91345, CE4Less.com is responsible for all aspects of the programing.

We are committed to providing our learners with unbiased information. CE4Less never accepts commercial support and our authors have no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.