Session: Fostering Resilience and Access: Ecological Insights on IPV and Mental Health Among Women in Kenyan Informal Settlements (Society for Social Work and Research 29th Annual Conference)

Aligned with this year's SSWR theme of "Strengthening Social Impact through Collaborative Research," this symposium presents four studies exploring the complex dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health within informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. Each study leverages collaborative research methodologies to delve into the challenges and resilience of women facing IPV, emphasizing the importance of trust, coping mechanisms, motherhood, and community cohesion. By engaging with community members, clinic staff, and other stakeholders, these studies exemplify how integrated, community-based research approaches can enhance understanding and develop effective interventions to support vulnerable populations.

The first study provides a foundational understanding of the role of trust in accessing IPV and mental health services. Utilizing Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, the research delves into how IPV survivors, clinic staff, and community health volunteers (CHVs) perceive trust and how these perceptions influence service accessibility. The study's qualitative analysis identifies key themes around privacy, trust in authorities, and community trust, shedding light on the complexities of service utilization in environments marked by significant social and cultural barriers.

The second study focuses on the coping strategies women employ in these settlements. Through a latent class analysis, this research categorizes women's coping mechanisms into four distinct profiles, ranging from avoidant behaviors to active engagement with social support and mental health services. This study underscores the diversity of stress responses among women, highlighting the need for interventions tailored to specific coping styles to enhance mental health and well-being.

In the third study, the intersection of IPV, motherhood, and mental health is examined through the lens of IPV-exposed mothers. This qualitative exploration not only discusses the direct impacts of IPV on maternal mental health but also brings to light the broader socio-cultural and economic challenges that compound these effects. The study emphasizes mothers' resilience in managing caregiving responsibilities and navigating IPV, suggesting pathways for more effective support systems.

The fourth and final study explores the relationship between neighborhood disorder and IPV, applying theories of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and collective efficacy. By examining the mediating role of social cohesion, the study reveals significant indirect effects of neighborhood conditions on IPV rates, advocating for community-building initiatives as critical components of intimate violence prevention strategies.

These studies highlight the critical role of ecological factors - from individual trust and coping mechanisms to community cohesion and neighborhood environment - in shaping the experiences and outcomes of women facing IPV in informal settlements. They call for a multi-layered approach to support and empower women, integrating trust-building, tailored mental health interventions, and community-focused strategies to foster resilience and access to necessary services