Uncovering the Gaps: A Scoping Review of Support Services for African Immigrant Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in the Diaspora

Background and Purpose

Despite Africa having one of the largest and fastest-growing numbers of migrants globally, the research practice of ethnic lumping has long combined African immigrant and minority groups in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) research samples based on the assumption of race similarities. This approach hinders the development of effective interventions to address IPV in African immigrant communities and prevents a nuanced understanding of their experiences. African immigrants face pre- and post-migration trauma upon relocating to the diaspora, which worsens psychological distress and increases the risk of IPV. This scoping review aims to identify gaps in the empirical literature by exploring available support services for African female survivors of IPV in the diaspora. The study objectives are to: 1) Identify support services for African immigrant survivors of IPV; 2) identify barriers and facilitators in effective provision of supports for African immigrant survivors of IPV.

Methods

This scoping review focused on peer-reviewed articles published from 2007 to 2022 on the characteristics of support services for African immigrant survivors in the diaspora. The 15-year date range was selected to assess the impact of rapidly changing immigration policies on domestic abuse-affected immigrants. The study's inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed using the Joanna Briggs Institute paradigm; Arksey & O'Malley informed the review's analysis procedures. Articles were included if they had African immigrant participants aged 18 or older, who identified as IPV survivors, covered barriers to help-seeking, and included information on support services. Eight databases were searched using comprehensive search terms, yielding 192 articles. After removing duplicates, 171 articles remained. 133 articles were excluded during the title and abstract screening. Out of 38 reviewed articles, 31 were excluded and only seven were included in this review after full text evaluation.

Result

All seven studies utilized qualitative methodology, with six conducted in the United States and one in Australia. Themes from the articles were grouped into three categories: type of support, barriers to effective support, and facilitators of support provision. This review reinforces the notion that African immigrant survivors of IPV predominantly rely on informal support. Yet, it reveals a lack of knowledge among survivors of the effectiveness and perceived usefulness of these services. Culturally sensitive, linguistically competent supportive services are required to bridge the gap, and raise awareness about resources and services for African immigrant IPV survivors is necessary.

Conclusions and Implications

This review emphasizes the need of domestic violence education within African communities, with community interventions aiming to educate members on domestic violence definitions, risks, and prevention. Sensitization efforts should aim to decrease tolerance of domestic violence and change attitudes. Researchers should investigate informal support resources such as religious leaders and faith-based organizations and evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts to address barriers to help-seeking. Culturally sensitive interventions that draw on collective, group, and family-oriented viewpoints are essential. Increasing funding for advanced research methodologies and culturally tailored services is crucial for meeting the growing demand of African diasporan experiencing IPV. Effective support services will prevent revictimization, ensure service utilization, and decrease discrimination.