Intergenerational Trauma, Domestic Violence, and the Potential for Healing: A qualitative study with service providers and activists who have worked with Lao domestic violence survivors

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Olivia Sourivong

Abstract or Description

Domestic violence (DV) is understood as a pattern of violent and coercive behavior occurring from one family member to another. DV occurs within power imbalances, such as those based on gender and age. For many Lao refugees, the reluctance to report instances of DV may stem from intergenerational trauma and structural barriers such as language, adherence to gender norms, and whiteness in social work. Parallel to this, 50 years after the U.S. dropped over 2 million tons of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in Laos, the healing process within the Lao community continues to face various challenges with limited social service support in the United States. This research aims to address the underexplored issue of domestic violence (DV) among Lao refugees in the U.S. Nevertheless, there is a notable gap in the literature and research pertaining to Lao individuals residing in the United States that warrants further exploration.

Mentor

Claire Willey-Sthapit