Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
In rural Kentucky, where cars are a necessity to traverse the rugged Appalachian Mountains and sparsely populated farmlands, “Barbara’s” abusive husband couldn’t let her get away—so he set her car aflame. Although census-defined rural areas contain only 20% of the United States population, some studies have found that intimate partner violence is more common and severe in rural areas than urban or suburban regions.
People, especially women, in rural areas experience intimate partner violence in unique ways tied to their geographic and cultural context. Consequently, organizations, courts, and law enforcement struggle to meet the needs of affected populations in rural areas. This extends to the ability for prosecutors, courts, and civil attorneys to affirmatively enforce and promote crime victims’ rights. This paper discusses the unique issues of domestic violence in rural areas and considers how Family Justice Centers could better meet the needs of rural victims of domestic violence.
Recommended Citation
Stevenson, Jordan, "“No One Can Hear You Scream”: Intimate Partner Violence and Family Justice Centers in Rural America" (2026). Legal Writing Competition Winners. 7.
https://digitalcommons.wcl.american.edu/stusch_winners/7
Included in
Civil Rights and Discrimination Commons, Criminal Law Commons, Criminal Procedure Commons, Family Law Commons, Law and Gender Commons, Law and Society Commons, Law Enforcement and Corrections Commons
Comments
First place paper in the National Crime Victims' Law Institute's 2026 Law Student Victims' Rights Writing Competition.