Bridging the Gap: Aligning Gender-Based Violence Services with Rural Community Values through a Cultural Lens

Background and Purpose:

Gender-based violence (GBV) includes physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse, along with threats, coercion, and the denial of economic or educational opportunities. It targets individuals based on gender or biological sex and occurs in both public and private settings (Qi et al., 2023). Despite its prevalence, GBV is often underreported, particularly to law enforcement (Kaukinen, 2020). Rural survivors face distinct challenges, including geographic isolation, limited resources, and cultural stigma. In close-knit communities, concerns about privacy and judgment can discourage disclosure, while transportation and financial barriers restrict access to services. This study applies a cultural lens to better understand the specific barriers and needs of rural communities.

Methods:

Six community-based listening sessions and two survivor panels were held across rural Western Kansas, both virtually and in person, with over 50 participants. Stakeholders included nonprofits, Chambers of Commerce, faith-based groups, HR offices, housing authorities, local officials, and survivors. Participants were recruited via flyers and emails distributed through the authors’ network. The interviews explored participants' insights into the challenges and gaps in GBV services in rural areas, with a particular focus on the roles of community organizations in addressing these challenges. The questions also examined community members' concerns and differing priorities arising from the unique rural culture. All listening sessions were conducted in English, and the interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically coded using Atlas.ti qualitative software, following thematic analysis using open coding to identify themes.

Findings:

The preliminary finding is categorized into two themes “service fits” and “service mismatch” using a cultural lens. The analysis revealed several service fits and mismatches within the current landscape of GBV services in rural communities, with a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity and the unique needs of rural populations.

Collaboration across sectors was identified as a key strength, with stakeholders highlighting the value of partnerships among community organizations, healthcare providers, legal professionals, and businesses in building comprehensive support for survivors. Integrating cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed practices was seen as essential to making services accessible and relevant in close-knit, conservative rural communities, where disclosing GBV can carry stigma.

While several service fits were identified—such as cross-sector collaboration and community-focused prevention efforts—key mismatches remain. Transportation barriers rooted in rural isolation hinder access to essential services like legal aid and housing. A shortage of legal professionals limits survivors’ ability to obtain protection orders, and the lack of culturally sensitive shelters—especially for women and LGBTQ+ individuals—further reveals a disconnect between service availability and rural values of privacy and self-reliance.

Conclusion and Implications:

This study underscores both the strengths and gaps in addressing GBV in rural communities. While collaborative efforts and resource mapping align well with local needs, persistent challenges—such as transportation, limited legal support, and inadequate shelters—are intensified by cultural values like privacy and self-reliance. Prevention strategies, including education and training, show promise when tailored to reflect these same values.