Implications for Social Work

This paper presents an integrative approach to working with racially minoritized women who have experienced violence in their relationships. This approach incorporates feminist and inter-sectionality theories, and community development and participatory education models. A case study is included to demonstrate the application of this integrative approach into social work practice. The goal of this paper is to connect theory and practice, to move beyond the cultural competence model, and to apply an integrative approach for improved social work practice in working with racially minoritized women experiencing domestic violence. Keywords violence against women in relationships, racially minoritized women, integrative approach The domestic violence movement often names patriarchy and oppression of women as the causes of violence against women in relationships, while focusing primarily on the experiences of white women (Grossman & Lundy, 2007). As such, there is a need to further explore the realities of racially minor-itized1 women. Although all women experiencing violence in relationships encounter similar service barriers, women of color face a unique set of challenges to help-seeking (Kasturirangan, Krishnan, &amp