López-Zerón, G., Cooper, C., & Zeoli, A. M. (2025). Language justice in intimate partner firearm violence research: Demystifying the process. The American journal of orthopsychiatry, 10.1037/ort0000903. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/ort0000903
Abstract
This article presents a flexible framework for integrating Language Justice (LJ) principles into trauma-informed, culturally responsive research methodologies within the context of intimate partner violence. We describe the implementation of LJ across the research lifecycle, including study design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination, using the Domestic Violence Restraining Order Study Assessing Firearm Restrictions as a case example. While grounded in the context of intimate partner firearm violence, this article does not focus on study findings themselves. Instead, it uses the Domestic Violence Restraining Order Study Assessing Firearm Restrictions as a case example to demonstrate how LJ principles can be embedded into the research process. This perspective demystifies LJ implementation, detailing strategies for community engagement, bilingual instrument development, and linguistically affirming data collection. We underscore the importance of reciprocal partnerships with community organizations, multilingual data verification processes, and trauma-informed practices to amplify survivor voices and improve data quality. This approach offers deeper insights into the intersections of trauma, cultural diversity, and social justice, contributing to advancing health equity and strengthening the validity and impact of intimate partner violence research.