Violence and Health Promotion Among First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Women: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research

Indigenous women experience a disproportionate burden of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to other women in post-colonial countries such as Canada. Intersections between IPV and other forms of structural violence including racism and gender-based discrimination create a dangerous milieu where ‘help seeking’ may be deterred and poor health outcomes occur. The aim of this review was to explore the perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) women living in Canada about how violence influenced their health and wellbeing. This systematic review of qualitative research used thematic analysis to produce a configurative synthesis. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted. Two reviewers screened studies for relevance and congruence with eligibility criteria. Sixteen studies were included in the review. Four themes with subthemes emerged: 1) ruptured connections between family and home, 2) that emptiness… my spirit being removed, 3) seeking help and being unheard, and 4) a core no one can touch. Together these themes form complex pathways that influenced health among women exposed to violence. Findings from this review highlight the need for collaboration with FNMI women and their communities to prevent IPV and ensure access to trauma and violence informed care (TVIC). The strength and resiliency of FNMI women is fundamental to healing from violence. Working with FNMI women and their communities to build effective interventions and promote culturally meaningful care will be important directions for researchers and policy makers.