Domestic Violence Help-Seeking Behaviors of South Asian Battered Women Residing in the United States

Abstract

This study was designed to assess domestic violence help-seeking behaviors among battered South Asian women residing in Greater Boston, USA. Prevalence of these behaviors was assessed among South Asian women reporting violence in their current relationship via an anonymous survey (N=44). Forms and qualities of help-seeking behaviors and needs were assessed via in-depth interviews with a separate sample of self-identified battered South Asian women (N=23). Of the surveyed battered women (N=44), 23 (52%) reported no acquisition of support or services assessed; no women reported use of criminal justice services; and only two had contacted a domestic violence program (5%). Qualitative data (N=23) indicate that when help-seeking does occur, it is elicited by increasing severity in violence and/or thoughts of separation from the batterer; it begins with help-seeking within the community, and the community response includes helping link victims with more formal domestic violence services. However, among women attempting to separate from their batterer, resource constraints at the programmatic level and restrictive immigration laws were cited as major hurdles they were facing towards independence. Findings from this study attest to the need for a multi-level approach to support battered South Asian women in the US that goes beyond the current criminal justice model of intervention.