Critical issues in researching domestic violence among people of color with disabilities

Abstract

While there are a number of programs emerging providing services to people of color with disabilities who experience domestic violence, there is little research on the needs of this population. Using data collected from two national focus groups of nineteen expert informants, this article outlines key areas of research needed for providing better services to people of color who are Deaf or have disabilities, and appropriate research methods for collecting data with this population. Respondents indicated that a research agenda should include investigating the scope of the problem, in-depth needs of domestic violence survivors, cost-effectiveness of culturally and disability specific programs, and development of best practices through in-depth evaluations of existing programs.