Strategies for Recovery, Growth, and Hope in the Aftermath of Domestic Violence Among Hmong American Women

Background and Purpose: Violence against women is a worldwide social and human rights issue that transcends culture and regional boundaries (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). Domestic violence (DV) has adverse health risks and survivors have the capacity for healing from the effects of DV and the process of recovery and healing following DV is both individual and multidimensional in nature. DV survivors are not homogenous groups and how they perceived the violence they experienced and their process of healing will vary (Alexander, 2015). To the knowledge of the researcher, there has been no studies that have explored the experiences of life after DV among Hmong American women survivors. The purpose of the study to explores the determinants to help-seeking and experiences in the aftermath of DV among Hmong-American women. The key research question guiding the study: what are the experiences of Hmong American women survivors of DV?

Method: Qualitative method in the form of one-on-one interview was used to elicit data centered around the objective of the study using semi-structured interview. The participants were 12 women between the ages of 43 and 60 years (M = 53.1), who are no longer in the abusive relationship. Social service staff assisted in identifying potential participants. Informed consent was obtained from each participant prior to conducting the interviews which lasted 45 to 60 minutes. All interviews were audio recorded with consent from participants, and transcribed verbatim. The data analysis was guided by Braun & Clarke thematic analytic approach. Analysis of the data reveal two key themes: sociocultural determinants to help-seeking and finding strength and growth during and in the aftermath of domestic violence with three sub-themes- taking deliberate action, re-evaluating priorities and importance of systematic connections and support.

Results: The findings revealed important sociocultural determinants to help-seeking was the cultural norms and expectations regarding marriage and divorce and within the Hmong culture the goal of mediation in couple’s conflict is to keep the family intact and that they could not leave their husband without the approval from the clan leader to be able to maintain social standing in the community as a divorced woman. The findings also exhibit several elements of women strength and growth such as taking deliberate actions, the women’s determination to act on what they believe and how they channeled all pain and energy in taking deliberate action. Participants also talked about how they re-evaluated their priorities and changed perspectives and evaluate priorities for wellbeing and the support found in many contexts, support from their faith or church, counseling or shelter.

Conclusion and Implication: The women’s narratives provided a rich source of data and advanced our understanding of the determinants to help-seeking as well as sources that enhance growth and recovery from the perspective of the survivors. Additionally, the findings from this study can serve as a resource for service providers working to enhance personal and environmental resources. Developing systemic support and relational support are crucial that can serve as a buffer against the adverse effects of domestic violence.