Abstract
The purpose of this exploratory and qualitative research was to better understand the personal experiences of visible minority immigrant women seeking help with domestic violence (DV) in Southern Ontario, Canada. In-depth interviews were carried out with two survivors of DV and three DV professionals: their personal and professional experiences with DV as it affects visible minority immigrant women were explored. A gender-based analysis of the participants’ narratives revealed that a number of diversity-related axis such as, gender, visible minority, immigrant status and economic status influenced women’s experiences with abuse. The results indicate the various barriers visible minority immigrant women who are experiencing DV, may face when they try to seek help and support. Specifically, challenges include recognition of foreign credentials and employment, language, culture, isolation, and shelters. Police responses, court proceedings, spousal sponsorship policies, legal status and fear of deportation/breakdown of sponsorship contribute to structural barriers. Study implications for policy and practice are discussed and recommendations provided.
Highlights
Domestic violence (DV) has been recognized for some time as a pervasive issue impacting many women inHow to cite this paper: Ahmadzai, M., Stewart, C.C. and Sethi, B. (2016) A Study on Visible Minority Immigrant Women’s Experiences with Domestic Violence
Studies remain unclear in terms of the exact rate of domestic violence (DV) in visible minority immigrant communities, it is reasonable to assert that due to the particular circumstances and challenges faced by women in these communities, they may be even more vulnerable [2]
A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken and the purpose of this research was 1) to examine the experiences of visible minority immigrant women seeking help with domestic violence (DV) in Southern Ontario, Canada; and 2) to highlight barriers that women may experience dealing with DV in another country and accessing supports for visible minority immigrant women
Summary
Domestic violence (DV) has been recognized for some time as a pervasive issue impacting many women inHow to cite this paper: Ahmadzai, M., Stewart, C.C. and Sethi, B. (2016) A Study on Visible Minority Immigrant Women’s Experiences with Domestic Violence. (2016) A Study on Visible Minority Immigrant Women’s Experiences with Domestic Violence. Studies remain unclear in terms of the exact rate of DV in visible minority immigrant communities, it is reasonable to assert that due to the particular circumstances and challenges faced by women in these communities, they may be even more vulnerable [2]. A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken and the purpose of this research was 1) to examine the experiences of visible minority immigrant women seeking help with domestic violence (DV) in Southern Ontario, Canada; and 2) to highlight barriers that women may experience dealing with DV in another country and accessing supports for visible minority immigrant women. The study pays special attention to how diversity axis such as gender, immigrant, visible minority and economic status shape the lived experiences of women seeking help with DV, making apparent that their experiences are unique and multifaceted
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