Language justice in intimate partner firearm violence research: Demystifying the process

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Public Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) research requires culturally responsive and trauma-informed methodologies.
• Integrating Language Justice (LJ) principles can address linguistic diversity and improve research inclusivity.
• Existing research often overlooks the critical role of language in understanding survivor experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a flexible framework for embedding Language Justice (LJ) principles throughout the research lifecycle.
• To demonstrate LJ implementation in trauma-informed, culturally responsive intimate partner violence research.
• To demystify LJ strategies for community engagement, instrument development, and data collection.

Main Methods:

• Framework development integrating LJ principles across study design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
• Case example: Domestic Violence Restraining Order Study Assessing Firearm Restrictions.
• Strategies detailed: community partnerships, bilingual instrument creation, linguistically affirming data collection, multilingual data verification, and trauma-informed practices.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of LJ principles into intimate partner violence research is demonstrated.
• Enhanced community engagement and reciprocal partnerships were established.
• Linguistically affirming data collection and multilingual verification improved data quality and amplified survivor voices.

Conclusions:

• Embedding Language Justice (LJ) principles strengthens the validity and impact of intimate partner violence research.
• This approach offers deeper insights into trauma, cultural diversity, and social justice.
• The framework advances health equity by centering survivor experiences and promoting inclusive research practices.