*Note* This scheduling program was not designed by folks who do a lot with APA Style and unfortunately it defaults to listing authors in alphabetical order. We cannot fix this for this online schedule, but the author orders are posted in the order submitted in the printed program available via pdf here.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major public health problem and global human rights violation (Djamba & Kimuna, 2008; Goo & Harlow, 2012; Laisser, Nyström, Lugina & Emmelin, 2011; Simister, 2010; World Health Organization [WHO], 2013). Hence, IPV in the developing world has increasingly become a topic of public health discourse (Swart, 2013). The devastating effects of IPV on individuals, families and communities are well documented. It is a complex social issue deeply rooted in the interaction of social, cultural, political, economic and biological factors (Dahlberg, & Butchart, 2005). As such, perceptions, prevalence and manifestations of IPV differ from one society to another as they are influenced differently by cultural beliefs and traditions (Akinsulure-Smith, Chu, Keatley, & Rasmussen, 2013; Dada Ojo, 2013). Effective interventions can only be formulated upon conducting qualitative studies that explore the cultural context of an affected population and how they interpret their experiences (Jewkes, 2002). To date, limited research and literature has focused on IPV in Kenya. This qualitative study explored the experiences of Kenyan survivors and IPV perceptions of female community members. Data analysis was conducted using a conventional content analysis approach (Hsieh & Shannon, 2005). Seven primary themes emerged from survivor focus group data: cultural context of violence; risk factors for violence; types of violence; consequences of violence; response to violence; perseverance; and, helpseeking. Seven primary themes also emerged from the female community members’ focus group data: snapshot of violence; poverty; cultural context; masculinity; women taking action; resources; and, prevention strategies. Sentiments expressed by these survivors and community members provide powerful insight into experiences of violence including the risk factors, consequences, how the community responds and how survivors cope with the violence they experience. Emergent themes inform us as we think about IPV prevention efforts and restorative justice within this cultural context.