If Mercy lived in my community, her relationship would be influenced by different kinds of gender norms, many of which are less linked to male authority/dominance. Some of those norms, such as valuing open communication in relationships and equal partnership, may be protective factors instead of risk factors. At the same time, norms in my community that value family privacy could put Mercy at greater risk, as she may feel less comfortable disclosing the IPV she is experiencing to others (like her friend). I also live in an area where employment rates are very high and employees have greater power in the job market – this would be a protective factor, as it would give Mercy autonomy and relieve the pressure on her family as a whole. However, my community may be more impacted by racial discrimination within broader society than Mercy’s community it, so this may put her at greater risk of experiencing not only IPV but other types of violence.
