When COVID-19 roared into the United States in early 2020, its effects were felt not only by those who became ill but also by the nonprofit organizations who are dedicated to serving those who are vulnerable. In order... Read more
LSS CHOICES, Community Assessment & Policy Research
The Context
Since 1977,CHOICES has provided shelter to abused women and their children. Upon completion of a new family shelter in 2019, LSS CHOICES and the Franklin County Commissioners asked Illuminology to help complete a comprehensive assessment of intimate partner violence (IPV), in keeping with the mission to continuously improve services to IPV survivors. Then, in 2023, LSS CHOICES requested that Illuminology build a process to increase collaboration among LSS CHOICES and partner organizations.
The Critical Questions
How many women in the community experience intimate partner violence? How might this change over time? What are the gaps in service provision to these women, and how can IPV services in the community be improved? How can organizations collaborate to enhance domestic violence services?
Our Solution
In 2019, our research team used both quantitative and qualitative research methods in this community assessment. Data from the US Census and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention were used to compute incidence rates and to project those rates into the future. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with local service providers, national subject-matter experts, and most importantly, women who had been subjected to IPV, in order to assess the current status of service provision in the community and how best to improve it. Illuminology also facilitated community meetings with local stakeholders at the beginning and end of the assessment.
Illuminology is currently in the process of building a coalition of organizations to improve domestic violence services.
Illumination
This 2019 community study on domestic violence shed light on several important ways that the community network of IPV service providers can improve its response. The top three critically underserved needs were (1) a lack of collaboration across providers (2) a sense of empowerment for survivors, and (3) cultural competence in care.
Resolution
The topline results from the 2019 community study were presented to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, the LSS CHOICES Board and their assessment committee, and community service providers and stakeholders; a more comprehensive report was also made available to subject matter experts and practitioners. Illuminology is currently doing collaborative work to create a plan to improve system-wide cooperation, serving as a roadmap for future efforts.
