Increasing Language Access for Intimate Partner Violence Support Services: A Scoping Review

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health concern. Survivors face numerous barriers to accessing services, particularly when services in many places are only provided in English. This scoping review aimed to identify research and practice-based articles that explore interventions to increase language accessibility to support services for IPV. Articles were identified through a systematic search of databases and selected for inclusion if they involved language accessibility for IPV support services across settings (e.g., legal services, advocacy, hotlines, social services, healthcare, law enforcement). We identified 15 research and 14 practice-based articles for inclusion. Most interventions and practices for increasing language access were in settings related to health care, advocacy and social services, or community-based organizations. Research articles described various adaptations to interventions for increasing language access, which mostly included interpretation, translation, bilingual assistance, and culturally tailored programs. All research articles had language access adaptations for their intervention, but only 60% of the research articles included specific findings related to language access and culture. Practice-based articles discussed guidance around the development, assessment, and evaluation of a language access plan, language access engagement and implementation, and different elements and settings for language access. Findings highlight the intersection between language and culture, underscoring the need to address these interconnected aspects beyond simple translation and interpretation. IPV support services should hire multilingual and multicultural staff and address fear around immigration status. Increased funding is needed to ensure higher quality language access supports are implemented. Additional implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.