Assistant Professor Jeneile Luebke 
PhD, RN
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, United States of America

Understanding the Intersections of Intimate Partner Violence, Substance Use, and Mental Health Wisconsin Indigenous Women

Luebke, J. 

15-minute Oral Presentation
Tuesday 10 December, 2:30pm

Purpose

Indigenous women experience disproportionately high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and face many barriers when help-seeking. Indigenous women who are experiencing multiple traumas such as substance misuse, mental health conditions, and IPV often face more barriers to help-seeking because of structural barriers such as siloed care and a lack of trauma-informed care practitioners. This Indigenous and survivor-led study aims to better understand Indigenous women’s experiences who have co-occurring substance misuse, mental health, and violence by honoring their stories of survival.

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Methods

In this mixed methods study, data from semi-structured storytelling sessions were conducted with 30 Indigenous survivors living on two reservation areas in Wisconsin. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis.  Postcolonial and Indigenous feminist theories informed the study to frame our understanding of the contexts in which Indigenous women experience IPV. 

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Results

Preliminary results reveal that of the 30 survivors interviewed, 73% (N=22) refused or were unable to seek formal care or services after IPV experience(s), regardless of injury. N=19 (63%) reported co-occurring substance use, mental health condition(s), and intimate partner violence. Additionally, 53% (N=16) of survivors reported barriers to seeking help after experiences of violence due to their substance misuse or mental health concerns. Data from the quantitative survey is being collected now, and results are expected by the summer of 2025.

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Conclusions

Findings from this study reveal how IPV uniquely manifests in the lives of reservation-based Indigenous women. Findings also highlight context-specific structural barriers to help-seeking after experiences of IPV for women experiencing co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions. Analysis not only fills a gap in the literature but can also contribute to the development of context-specific interventions that are urgently needed to ensure that AI women obtain the necessary services following experiences of IPV to reduce its devastating impacts. Context-specific and survivor-led interventions are critical to address and reduce barriers that Indigenous women in rural and reservation-based areas are facing.