Introduction
Sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States is a critical issue that has been perpetuated by historical oppression and colonial violence. The research article titled “You Can Get Away with Anything Here… No Justice at All”— Sexual Violence Against U.S. Indigenous Females and Its Consequences provides a comprehensive exploration of this topic using the Indigenous framework of historical oppression, resilience, and transcendence (FHORT). This blog aims to help practitioners in speech language pathology and related fields improve their skills by understanding the outcomes of this research and encouraging further exploration into the topic.
Understanding the FHORT Framework
The FHORT framework is a culturally responsive and anti-oppressive theoretical model that contextualizes Indigenous women’s experiences of sexual violence within the broader context of patriarchal and colonial historical oppression. This framework characterizes wellness by examining intersecting and multi-level risk and protective factors related to sexual violence. By adopting a trauma-informed perspective, practitioners can effectively work with Indigenous communities, understanding the deep-rooted structural oppression and maintaining a commitment to social justice.
Key Findings from the Research
- Indigenous women experience sexual violence at significantly higher rates than the general population, with profound impacts on their health and wellness.
- The research identified themes of familial and non-familial perpetrators and a lack of accountability for these crimes.
- Quantitative data revealed that survivors of sexual violence experienced significant differences across ecological dimensions of wellness, including higher historical oppression, adverse childhood experiences, and lower family resilience and social support.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can utilize the insights from this research to improve outcomes for Indigenous women by:
- Adopting a trauma-informed and culturally humble approach to therapy and intervention.
- Fostering resilience and transcendence by enhancing social support and spiritual well-being.
- Engaging in community-based participatory research to develop culturally relevant interventions.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights the need for further research on the pathways to recovery and resilience for Indigenous women. Practitioners are encouraged to explore these areas, incorporating cultural, healing, family, and spirituality into their research and practice.
Conclusion
Understanding the complex interplay of historical oppression and sexual violence against Indigenous women is crucial for practitioners aiming to create positive outcomes. By leveraging the FHORT framework and engaging in further research, practitioners can contribute to the well-being and empowerment of Indigenous communities.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: “You Can Get Away with Anything Here… No Justice at All”— Sexual Violence Against U.S. Indigenous Females and Its Consequences.
