Intimate Partner Violence through the Lens of Intersectionality

By Daykia Knight (she)
Mental Health Counselor, under the supervision of Ghada Osman LMFT 83472

Daykia is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student at the University of San Diego with a strong commitment to culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Washington, where she began exploring how systems of oppression shape emotional well-being. That foundation continues to inform her clinical lens today. Guided by Feminist Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Daykia integrates values-based behavioral work with a deep understanding of racial, gendered, and intergenerational trauma. She believes healing must address not only the individual but also the sociocultural forces that often go unrecognized yet deeply impact mental health.

We currently live in a political climate that justifies the disproportionate punishment and criminalization of people of color, particularly those of undocumented status. Fighting through these realities can push us to lean into community care and protection–especially for the people we love most. But what happens when the ones who hurt us are the same people we feel a need to protect?

Experiencing physical, verbal, or emotional violence within an intimate relationship is deeply complex and distressing. These situations require support that is nonjudgmental, culturally responsive, and tailored to each individual’s reality. Conversations about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) or Domestic Violence (DV) too often overlook the intersectional experiences of women, gender-diverse individuals, and people of color. For many survivors, reaching out to law enforcement does not feel safe or supportive due to the long history of surveillance, neglect, and violence toward marginalized communities, along with the very real and present fear of detention or deportation through immigration enforcement systems like ICE.

Holding this tension can take a serious toll on mental health. When survivors are forced to weigh relational harm against the threat of systemic violence, the resulting stress, fear, and confusion can intensify trauma and reinforce feelings of isolation or internalized shame. These emotional responses are not personal failures, but are understandable reactions to navigating harm within systems that were not built to protect everyone equally.

It is important to remember for yourself or for someone you care about, that two things can be true at the same time. You can want to protect yourself while also feeling a desire to protect a partner who has caused harm, especially when that person is vulnerable to systemic injustice. Caring about someone does not mean the harm you experienced is insignificant, and prioritizing your safety does not mean you are betraying your values or your community. Our team at Mira Costa Health Services, including mental health counselors, clinical case managers, and registered nurses, can serve as front-line supportive resources. Our care is guided by confidentiality, affirming student dignity, and a commitment to student well-being. We strive to create an open and affirming space where students can explore their experiences, reflect on their options, and identify internal and community-based resources that align with their needs, values, and safety.

If you wish to seek support through Health Services, you may submit an Appointment Inquiry on our website, where you can also find detailed descriptions of staff members’ approach to counseling under the ‘Our Team’ page: https://www.miracosta.edu/student-services/health-services/index.html