The Importance of Cultural Competence in Ministering to African American Victims of Domestic Violence

Abstract

This article describes an ecophenomenological model of domestic violence that helps to conceptualize the ways in which various contextual factors inform the experiences of African American victims of partner violence. The implications of this model for the culturally competent treatment of African American victims of partner abuse are discussed, as is the issue of violence as an outgrowth of an African American male entitlement dysfunction. The article also examines culturally grounded messages that contribute to the development of attitudes that promote violence against African American women. In addition, the article explores the patient's own relational life as a site of meaning making and sustained healing. Finally, the article considers the therapeutic alliance as a source of healing.