Shea-Wiff, Protecting Our Community: A Study of Community Perceptions of Violence, Abuse and Culture

Abstract

Background: Potential threats and harms to health have evolved since colonization but have only been well documented for the past 20 years. Today’s imminent threats to community life and sacred practices include various types of abuse and violence. In Isleta, domestic violence rates are high and are often reported as outcomes of alcohol and drug offenses. These are major public health issues. Methods: The purpose of this qualitative study was to define violence, abuse, and cultural approaches to reduce these public health issues in a small tribal community in the southwest. Youth and adult tribal members in the community of Isleta Pueblo participated in interviews and focus groups to define culture and the health outcomes of interest, reduction of violence, and abuse in the community. Results: There were five male-identified youth participants in Focus Group 1 (FG1). There were three female-identified participants in Focus Group 2 (FG2). All youth participants were between the ages 12-15. Two of the adult interviewees were female-identified and two male-identified. The ages of participants in the adult interviews ranged from 31 to 74. All contributed to defining violence, abuse, and cultural approaches. Conclusions: This study was one of the first studies conducted in Isleta that acknowledges approaches specific to the local culture that may help the prevention and reduction of violence and substance abuse. It is believed that the challenges facing the Isleta community can be answered by the cultural traditions, teachings, and stories of the families that make up this community.