Culturally Responsive Approaches to Preventing Gender-Based Violence in Aanhpi & MENA Communities

Background and Purpose: Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical concern within Asian, Asian/American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and Middle Eastern, North African (MENA) communities, highlighting the need for effective primary prevention. Primary prevention aims to stop GBV before it occurs by promoting safe, healthy environments and behaviors. However, little is known about how culturally specific organizations serving AANHPI and MENA survivors and communities understand and operationalize primary prevention. This study examined how GBV advocates conceptualize and implement primary prevention within these communities. Specifically, the study sought to identify key components of their primary prevention efforts, the role of cultural context, and challenges to implementation.

Methods: We conducted virtual interviews and focus groups with 20 advocates from 15 GBV organizations serving AANHPI and MENA communities across the U.S. and its territories. Using thematic analysis, we identified patterns in how participants described primary prevention practices, challenges, and successes. To enhance trustworthiness and credibility, preliminary findings were shared with participants for validation and feedback.

Results: Advocates consistently defined primary prevention as addressing the root causes of violence before it occurs. While aligning with mainstream definitions, particularly the goal of preventing first-time perpetration and victimization, participants emphasized the need for culturally grounded, community-specific approaches. Prevention was described as encompassing education, community-building, and promoting resilience. Advocates also noted that conventional definitions often overlook cultural nuances and structural inequities, such as racism, immigration policy, and intergenerational trauma.

Participants called for an ecological approach that integrates individual, community, and systemic factors. Successful prevention efforts were characterized by partnerships with community stakeholders, engagement with youth, and tailored messaging. However, advocates cited limited funding, staffing, and culturally relevant resources as major barriers. Cultural stigma and language access further complicated implementation.

Conclusions and Implications: This study highlights the importance of culturally responsive, community-driven approaches to primary prevention in AANHPI and MENA communities. Advocates’ insights underscore the need to expand existing definitions of prevention to include cultural and structural dimensions. Key recommendations include increasing funding and staffing, developing culturally and linguistically appropriate materials, investing in youth and community leadership, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and advocating for policies that address root causes of GBV. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of primary prevention and offer guidance for strengthening prevention efforts that reflect the lived realities of AANHPI and MENA communities.