Community Conversations on Relationship Violence: Town Variations in Prevention Perceptions through Concept Mapping

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Community Psychology

Background:

• Developing effective community-level domestic and sexual violence (DSV) prevention requires understanding local perspectives.
• Previous research has not fully explored community members' views on the feasibility, effectiveness, and support for DSV prevention strategies in rural settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore community members' perspectives on feasible, effective, and supported domestic and sexual violence (DSV) prevention strategies in four rural Northern England towns.
• To identify common themes and town-specific differences in perceptions of DSV prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Concept mapping methodology was employed across four rural towns in Northern England.
• A total of 119 participants brainstormed, sorted, and rated statements related to DSV prevention strategies.
• Data analysis identified clusters of prevention strategies and their perceived feasibility, effectiveness, and community support.

Main Results:

• A 5-cluster solution for DSV prevention strategies was consistently identified across towns: school settings, conversations, individual direct action, community building, and community awareness.
• One town additionally identified 'governance' as a prevention strategy cluster.
• While prevention strategies were similar, community members rated their feasibility, effectiveness, and support differently across the towns.

Conclusions:

• There are consistencies in how domestic and sexual violence (DSV) prevention is conceptualized across similar rural communities.
• However, significant differences exist in the perceived feasibility and acceptability of these strategies at the local level.
• Tailored DSV prevention strategies and higher-level actions, informed by community narratives, are necessary for effective implementation and to overcome local barriers.