Between Two Worlds: The Unspoken Realities of Intimate Partner Violence Among African Immigrant Nurses

Background: Despite the high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the U.S, African immigrant women, especially those working as nurses, remain vastly underrepresented in IPV research. These individuals face complex and intersecting vulnerabilities rooted in gender, migration status, cultural background, and occupational stressors, particularly within the high-pressure environment of the U.S. healthcare system. An intersectional and ecological perspective reveals how systemic racism, cultural stigma, patriarchal norms, and workplace inequities converge to shape their experiences of IPV, often compounding emotional, relational, and economic distress.

Purpose: Given the rising international recruitment of nurses and the urgent need for culturally responsive interventions, this study addresses a critical gap by exploring the lived experiences of African immigrant nurse IPV survivors in the U.S. This case study specifically sought to: 1) understand community and personal perceptions of IPV within the context of immigration, 2) elucidate the impact of migration to the U.S. on romantic relationship dynamics, and 3) explore the workplace climate and support structures for African immigrant nurses navigating the aftermath of IPV.

Methods: This qualitative case study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of U.S. African immigrant nurse IPV survivors, focusing on the interplay between culture, migration, work, and abuse. Data were gathered via a focus group with six women recruited through purposeful sampling from a pool of individuals who had participated in a prior study and had expressed willingness for follow-up. Eligibility criteria included identifying as an African immigrant woman currently or formerly employed as a nurse in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic and residing in Kentucky. Six women met the criteria, consented, and participated in a virtual focus group. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze, and interpret patterns in the qualitative data. Field notes and memos supported interpretation and ensured consistency with participants’ narratives.

Results: Three core themes emerged: 1) Pervasive Cultural and Social Barriers – Participants described strong cultural stigmas and community norms that discouraged disclosure of IPV. 2) Reality vs. Expectation – Many nurses shared a disconnect between their pre-migration hopes and their challenges in the U.S., including disillusionment with workplace dynamics, lack of support, and stressors exacerbated by their new environment. 3) Creating Safe Spaces – Participants emphasized the need for culturally responsive, confidential, and autonomy-promoting workplace support.

Conclusion and Implications: This study sheds light on the complex interplay of migration, cultural identity, and professional status in shaping the experiences of African immigrant nurses surviving IPV. To effectively support African immigrant nurse IPV survivors, organizations must implement culturally responsive and confidential interventions that foster psychological safety and promote survivor autonomy. Training for healthcare managers and staff should address cultural humility, IPV awareness, and systemic inequities affecting immigrant nurses. Furthermore, immigration policies and recruitment practices should integrate protections for internationally recruited healthcare workers vulnerable to IPV. By amplifying the voices of African immigrant nurses, this study calls for systemic change that addresses both structural barriers and the lived realities of survivors navigating abuse in transnational contexts.