Strengthening community-level understanding of and responses to intimate partner violence using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Rick L. Bunch, Professor and Director of Center for GIScience (Creator)
Christine E. Murray, Director (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Purpose – Recently, there has been increased attention to community- and neighborhood-level influences on rates and experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV). The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of geographic information systems (GIS) to geographically analyze these influences in order to enhance community-level understanding of and responses to IPV. Design/methodology/approach – The authors review existing literature supporting the needs for this level of analysis, and then they present eight steps for researchers and practitioners to use when applying GIS to analyze IPV. Findings – This is a conceptual paper. Research limitations/implications – This paper offers researchers and practitioners suggested strategies for using GIS analyses to examine community-level influences on IPV in future research. Practical implications – The practical implications of using GIS analyses are discussed, including ways that the findings of these analyses can be used to enhance community-level resources to prevent and respond to IPV. Social implications – This innovative, interdisciplinary approach offers new insights into understanding and addressing IPV at a community level. Originality/value – To date, there has been minimal research used to apply GIS analyses to the problem of IPV in communities. This paper presents a framework for future researchers and practitioners to apply this methodology to expand on community-level understanding of IPV.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Aggression, Conflict, and Peace Research, 8(3), 197-211.
Language: English
Date: 2016
Keywords
Domestic violence, Intimate partner violence, Geographic information systems, Law enforcement, Community responses, Spatial analyses

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