Acculturation and Intimate Partner Violence Among Kenyans in the United States

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse by a partner or spouse. This study focused on IPV among Kenyan immigrants to the United States. Several studies reported connections between IPV and cultural tensions experienced during the acculturation process. Scholars disagree whether acculturation buffers against IPV by exposing immigrants to adaptive social norms or heightens risk factors among those facing challenges acclimating to new settings. Whereas this association has been researched among Latinx and Asian communities in the United States, it is understudied among African and especially Kenyan diasporas. This descriptive study explored how acculturation and IPV among U.S. Kenyans were experienced depending on age, gender, and years of acculturation to determine measures for reducing IPV within U.S.-based diasporas. Results indicated that IPV was most prevalent among long-term immigrants. In terms of gender, women endured IPV more frequently than men. Virtually all participants expressed hesitancy to report abuses for fear of partner retribution or legal repercussions. To minimize the prevalence of IPV, several individuals advocated for community organizations that provide education programs and victim assistance. While most participants agreed that such organizations provide helpful resources, they disagreed on whether these groups could eliminate IPV or achieve household equity among spouses.