Preparing FCS Professionals: Understanding Intimate Partner Violence Advocacy Using the Social Ecological Model
Family and consumer sciences (FCS) professionals frequently work as advocates for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). The purpose of this study was to explore IPV advocacy at the individual, relational, community, and societal levels of the Social Ecological Model (SEM) and to provide suggestions for FCS courses based on findings. This study used interviews, observations, and documents from an IPV shelter. Findings revealed that IPV advocates validated and empowered survivors, supported childrearing, worked with schools and community agencies on behalf of survivors, educated communities on IPV, and balanced cultural differences within the shelter. Recommendations are presented for FCS courses to prepare future FCS professionals.