Using Photovoice to Address Gender-Based Violence: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Background and Purpose:

Given that gender-based violence (GBV) is prevalent on a global and national scale, it is essential to find methods that mobilize community responses (Black et al., 2011; Garcia et al., 2005). Photovoice action research (PVAR) methods act as both an intervention and research method by engaging participants in using photography to depict a topic of concern and in developing potential solutions. To date, there is not a published review of PVAR publications that focus on addressing GBV. The aim of this review was to systematically summarize and synthesize qualitative research that explores the impact PVAR methods have on communities that have been victimized by GBV. A second goal was to provide practitioners, researchers, and policy advocates with recommendations based on the findings of this review.

Methodology / Methods:

The design of this study engaged critical consciousness (Freire, 1970) and feminist theories (Wang, 1999), because PVAR methods were based on these theories and best align with the research question: How do PVAR methods address GBV among individuals and communities that have experienced GBV?

The protocol for this qualitative systematic review was created based on the Cochrane Handbook, Supplementary Guidance for the Inclusion of Qualitative Research of Interventions(Noyes & Lewin, 2011). The included studies used PVAR methods and focused on addressing GBV.

 In an effort to conduct a wide search the author used 13 academic databases, which yielded 17 publications that met the inclusion criteria. For data extraction, the author used the NICE data extraction format (Noyes & Lewin, 2011).

Data synthesis methods were based on grounded theory as described by Charmaz (2014). The data synthesis resulted in the emergence of one primary category transgressing the violence three sub-categories: illustrating the problem, caring for self and others, and harnessing community resources.

Findings:

The results revealed how PVAR research methods addressed the GBV in a complex, multi-layered manner. Participation in the projects helped GBV survivors to transgress the violence by illustrating the problemin a way that challenged internalized beliefs and stereotypes that perpetuate the stigmatizing nature of being a victim of GBV. The results of the photovoice studies exposed how participation in the PVAR promoted social support, amelioration of self-blame, and empathy for those afflicted by GBV. Finally, the reviewed studies brought to light how PVAR generates community-based illustrations of the problem and methods for addressing the GBV that are grounded in creating grass roots advocacy that begins in the community and influences governing systems. 

Implications:

Three practice recommendations emerged from the review: a) implement a display of the photovoice data (the photographs and narratives) for stakeholders b) foster social support among informants and c) focus on the sustainability of a project. This review revealed the need for university and government policies that provide financial support to develop and implement PVAR studies aimed at addressing GBV. Two primary research implications emerged from the review: a) devise ethical protocols that address power relations b) educate IRB members about ethical protocols that apply to PVAR GBV projects.