Exploring Responses to Intimate Partner Violence Among Pakistani Women in NYC

Background and Purpose: While data regarding the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) exists for the general South Asian American community, there is a gap in research on Pakistani women’s experiences with IPV. In order to identify culturally competent and relevant support for Pakistani women, a deeper understanding of their experiences and preferred solutions and support strategies is needed. The purpose of this study is to explore the spectrum of responses that Pakistani women have to situations of emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual violence and abuse within a marital relationship, including how cultural and religious expectations and mores of Pakistani women inform their perception of and response to IPV.

Methods: In collaboration with a local community services agency, a purposive sample of 97 Pakistani immigrant mothers in Flatbush, Kensington, and Midwood neighborhoods of Brooklyn, NY were screened eligible. Eligible individuals identified as a Pakistani, a woman, and were either currently pregnant, had been pregnant in the last 2 years, or had at least one child under the age of 5. Surveys were conducted by phone and in person in English and Urdu, as well as online in English, and self-administered. Participants received a $50 Amazon gift card. The survey included the South Asian Violence Screening (SAVS) tool as well as 3 vignettes about a Pakistani woman’s experience with (1) increasing conflict, (2) recent physical violence, and (3) forced sexual violence and requested a free response from the participants about what advice they would give the woman in the vignette. Responses were analyzed using SPSS statistical software and content analysis of qualitative responses utilizing an inductive approach.

Findings: Quantitative analysis indicates that approximately 12% of the participants experience IPV (occasionally, frequently or very frequently). Content analysis of the IPV vignettes reveals that the participants identify IPV in each scenario and provide advice and responses based on the nuances present in each scenario.

• Responses to “Sarah’s”situation, describing pregnancy and conflict in the joint-family system: Participants suggested enacting a number of strategies, including communication, self-care, help seeking, abortion, leaving, and/or doing nothing.
• Responses to “Shakeela’s” situation, describing escalating interpersonal conflict and recent physical violence by her partner. Participants suggested employing the following strategies: communication, involving law enforcement, accepting the circumstances, self-advocacy, help-seeking, and/or leaving.
• Responses to “Hina’s” situation, describing postpartum struggles and forced sexual relations. In response to whether Hina was raped, 29 women responded “YES” and 9 “NO”. Four respondents identified IPV in the scenario, 45 chose not respond directly to the issue of rape.

Conclusions and Implications: Participating women were adept at recognizing patterns of IPV and vocal about combatting IPV. This data can be used in social work research to increase engagement with relevant stakeholders and inform intervention studies. Additional research may explore the impact of shame, honor, and reputation on help-seeking behavior. Interventions may include strengths- based community-building activities, safety plans among the women of the community, and the creation and/or purposeful utilization of women’s spaces.