South Asian Women and Domestic Violence: Incidence and Formal and Informal Help-seeking Behaviors

PURPOSE: The study sought to understand the life experiences of women of South Asian origin (from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, or Myanmar [Burma]) experiencing domestic violence in the United States and examine their help-seeking behavior patterns in these times of crisis, including utilization of informal/personal networks and formal/outside agencies. The study also sought to identify socio-cultural factors that promote or inhibit formal and informal help-seeking during crisis. Literature indicates that racial/ethnic minority women cope with domestic violence/intimate partner violence differently than other ethnic groups (Preisser, 1999; Bauer et al., 2000; Ayyub, 2000; Abraham, 2000; Yoshioka & Dang, 2000; Weil & Lee, 2004). Few studies address abused women's help-seeking experiences (Gordon, 1998); even fewer address abused immigrant women (Bui, 2003).

METHODOLOGY & DESIGN: Survey research methods were employed to obtain data from a cross section of women of South Asian origin residing in different geographical regions of the United States. Survey information was collected anonymously in written form and through an Internet version of the survey. The participants (N=266) were women aged 18-years and older of South Asian origin in the United States who live in the community (i.e., non-institutionalized). The sample was recruited using multiple methods--community outreach, flyers, women contacts, women groups, grocery stores, and emails to members of South Asian cultural associations, groups, or organizations. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of the independent variables (including severity of abuse, perceived social support, beliefs in patriarchy, isolation, level of acculturation) on the dependent variables (informal and formal help-seeking) while controlling for the impact of demographic variables (age, marital status, number of years lived in United States, education, and employment status).

RESULTS: South Asian women living in the United States indicated a higher rate of being abused by their intimate partner, with 35% reporting intimate partner violence in their current relationship. Of the predictor variables, isolation was significantly related to whether a woman was abused or not abused (Wald X²(1)= 4.194, p<.05). Therefore women who reported being abused in the sample were 12.2% more likely to be isolated. The study also indicated higher rates of physical assault and psychological aggression against the women in the group. Among the women who reported abuse, 32% sought help from immediate family as compared to outside/formal agencies. Also, among the abused group, 30% of the participants reported medical reasons or injury to be the reason why they sought help.

IMPLICATIONS: Overall, this study's findings indicate immigrant related factors such as lack of social support and social isolation as important predictors of increased incidences of intimate partner violence in the group. This study with a large sample and a quantitative methodology adds to the knowledge base of socio-cultural factors that are associated with increased intimate partner violence and help-seeking behaviors of South Asian women residing in the United States. Therefore, important public policies, ongoing public education, and programs with cultural and structural modification should be in place to facilitate help-seeking behaviors of abused immigrant women to escape abuse.