Domestic Violence Beliefs and Attitudes in the Chinese American Community

Abstract

A total of 262 Chinese Americans were surveyed on the telephone about their definitions of domestic violence, attitudes toward the use of interpersonal violence, myths about domestic violence victims, and their attitudes toward the criminalization of domestic violence. Generally, Chinese Americans were more likely to define domestic violence in terms of physical and sexual aggression as opposed to psychological abuse. The majority did not approve of hitting spouses or using physical force as a means to solve problems but were ambivalent about using physical punishment to discipline children. A quarter stated that victims caused the abuse, and almost half reported that victims can easily leave an abusive relationship. Although many stated that domestic violence is a crime, many felt that family matters were private. Gender role beliefs impacted on various perceptions of domestic violence. Findings are discussed in their cultural context, and implications for practice and research are discussed for Chinese domestic violence victims.