Knowledge Mobilization Strategies for Intimate Partner Violence Research in Canada: A Mixed Methods Study
Abstract
Knowledge mobilization (KMb) is the process of sharing research evidence to address important health and social issues, including intimate partner violence (IPV). While Canadian researchers contribute significantly to IPV research, their efforts to mobilize this knowledge beyond academic audiences are less known. This study used a mixed methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative analyses to explore the KMb of Canadian IPV researchers to practice, policy, and public audiences. A systematic search identified 58 publicly available KMb products (e.g., news articles, infographics, reports, etc.). KMb products were analyzed inductively using qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics. Most products focused on IPV interventions and understanding the problem of IPV. Common dissemination strategies across products were institutional/organizational websites and news websites. This study contributes to an emerging literature on how specific knowledge-sharing strategies can be used to promote the uptake of evidence, in this case, specific to IPV. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of these efforts to enhance policy and practice.