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In this commentary, we respond to Barth and colleagues and critique their premise that Western-based research with population-level administrative data is the best and only valid evidence on which to base child welfare policy and practice changes. We offer an alternative viewpoint on what forms of evidence should be brought to bear as we consider re-envisioning the child welfare system, highlighting the importance of lived experience and the need to consider the evidence regarding all marginalized racial and ethnic groups. We argue that evidence should represent the perspectives of those with lived experience and that collaborative child welfare research can strengthen the validity of analyses and interpretations. We hold that Barth et al. ask and answer the wrong questions. We press for deeper critical reflection, a more nuanced intersectional lens, and urgent action to address structural and institutional racism in the child welfare system.

Refereed/Peer-reviewed

This study examines a historical trauma theory-informed framework to remember Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or māhū (LGBTQM) experiences of colonization in Hawai`i. Kānaka Maoli people and LGBTQM Kānaka Maoli face health issues disproportionately when compared with racial and ethnic minorities in Hawai&rsquo, i, and to the United States as a whole. Applying learnings from historical trauma theorists, health risks are examined as social and community-level responses to colonial oppressions. Through the crossover implementation of the Historical Loss Scale (HLS), this study makes connections between historical losses survived by Kānaka Maoli and mental health. Specifically, this manuscript presents unique ways that Kānaka Maoli describe and define historical losses, and place-based themes that emerged. These themes were: the militarization of land, the adoption of christianity by Kānaka Maoli ali`i, the overthrow of the sovereign Hawaiian monarch, and the importance of māhū and LGBTQ perspectives. Each of these themes will be presented in detail. Written by a queer, mestiza Pinay-American scholar, her mentor, a lesbian Kanaka Maoli scholar/activist, with contributions from Community Advisory Board members, there will also be discussion about ethics of research with and for Kānaka Maoli.

The incidence of intimate partner abuse among couples in the military, as throughout all social life, has been well documented. In the early 1990s, there were a number of dramatic domestic-violence-related cases, including homicides of military wives. In response, the U.S. Marines partnered with an advocacy-based domestic violence organization to implement a coordinated community response to domestic violence throughout the U.S. Marine Corps. This article presents a case study describing the processes, activities, policies, accomplishments, and challenges of the project from 1992 to 1998.

One of the most prominent interventions developed to protect victims in domestic abuse cases is the temporary restraining order or “TRO,” the purpose of which is to restrain an alleged defendant from further harassment or abuse against a plaintiff. This report analyzes 397 restraining order petitions, and subsequent arrest and conviction data for TRO defendants from 1996 to 1998. Findings confirm that TRO petitioners report many types of abuse and while half of TRO defendants do not re-offend, a small percent of defendants are responsible for multiple police reports, arrests, and criminal violations. Outcome data are discussed for program and policy implications.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) in Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian (APINH) queer women’s and lesbian relationships was examined through interviews with 24 APINH respondents. Seven major themes were uncovered in the dynamics of intimate violence: (a) control, intimidation, and instilling fear; (b) “deep” emotional intimacy; (c) first, early, or rebound relationships; (d) sexual jealousy and possessiveness; (e) shame as a barrier; (f) limited social and potential partner networks; and (g) crossing/intersecting gender in the “butch” as victim. Study implications include expanding research on same-sex IPV focusing on the intersection of ethnicity, gender, and sexual identity.

The VAWA reauthorization bill would extend funding for important services; provide additional protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and would ensure that tribal courts have jurisdiction over domestic violence that occurs on tribal land. We urge Congress to pass this bill!

Over the last 15 years, societal awareness of spouse abuse has resulted in an extensive network of services, legislative reform, and research initiatives focused on increasing the public response to this serious social problem. More recently, battering in intimate lesbian relationships has gained the attention of women's and gay/lesbian organizations that deal with domestic violence issues. Lesbians in violent relationships differ significantly from heterosexual couples where battering occurs due to the powerful effect of societal homophobia that silences them from seeking help. This article will address the unique challenges faced by lesbians of color in violent relationships due to the interface not only between violence and homophobia, but racism as well. Analysis of community response by lesbians of color, and clinical issues presented in therapy by lesbians of color who are battered will also be discussed.

Using semi-structured interviews with adults living with or at-risk for HIV and interviews and focus groups with key informants, the present study examined risk for HIV transmission among women living in Hawaii. Key research findings suggest that women in Hawaii are at risk for HIV infection primarily through sexual contact with their male sex partners, including bisexual and injection drug using (IDU) men. A significant factor in women's HIV risk is sex and gender role dynamics in the context of their relationships with men. Recommendations support primary prevention services for HIV-positive men who have sex with men and women, and IDU men who also have sex or share needles with women. Collaborative efforts between health care professionals and HIV/AIDS agencies to integrate gender-specific and culturally appropriate HIV prevention interventions are recommended.

The increasing cultural diversity among professional social workers has resulted in the need to examine critically some of the earlier notions about the epistemology, ontology, and methodology of social work research and practice. One outcome of these analyses about how and by whom research projects are carried out is the emergence of "native," "indigenous," or "insider" research in which scholars conduct studies with populations and communities and identity groups of which they are also members. This article reports the work of a native social work researcher who conducted an ethnographic study with her social identity group. The complex and inherent challenges of being both an insider with intimate knowledge of one's study population and an outsider as researcher are explored. Implications for social work research and practice with regard to native social work perspectives and methods also are discussed.