Family and Social Support and the Brazilian Victim of Immigrant Partner Violence Abroad

Mindy Reynolds

doi:10.12944/crjssh.3.2.09

Abstract

In recent months due to Covid-19 and lockdowns across the world, intimate partner violence has drawn increasing attention. In some countries, mandatory lockdowns and quarantines have been accompanied by rising rates of violence, sparking public awareness campaigns. However, intimate partner violence is a phenomenon which persists across time and cultures. This study focuses on the female Brazilian migrants who become victims of intimate partner violence and the role of social support networks, as previous research has indicated a need for research on specific communities. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 24 victims and professionals who work with these victims in Japan, the United States, Germany, and Portugal. The data provided examples of positive and negative social support from family and friends and suggested effective alternatives to informal social support and also how to give more effective assistance to family and friends who may be victims of intimate partner violence. The results show that Brazilian victims of intimate partner violence abroad often seek financial support from family members in Brazil; however, in the lack of such support, income from employment or government assistance may help a victim should she choose to leave an abusive relationship. In addition, the research suggests that professionals and friends can help victims by providing them with information about available social services and accompanying them to apply for these services.

Highlights

Intimate partner violence, known as domestic violence, is a significant problem worldwide
In accordance with the need to set the socio-cultural context in which abuse takes place and deepen the understanding about the help of the social network in these cases, this study evaluates the social and family help given to Brazilian migrants who were victims of domestic violence abroad
A qualitative and exploratory method was selected in order to identify important themes and patterns, as little past research is available on Brazilian victims of intimate partner violence abroad

Summary

Introduction

Known as domestic violence, is a significant problem worldwide. The. Annals of Behavioural Science website (2020) defines the term "intimate partner violence" as physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current. According to a 2013 WHO report, over one in three women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual partner violence, or sexual violence by a non-partner[2]. The interconnection of the different axes of oppression, such as race, social class, and nationality can contribute to a greater incidence of intimate partner violence and shape the ways that victims can react in this scenario. In regards to the economic aspect, studies demonstrate that victims with higher acquisitive power have more options to conceptualize and leave the abusive situation, while there are fewer choices and the tolerance threshold is higher for women in lower social classes[4]. Immigrant women have fewer options for finding housing and employment, which may raise their tolerance thresholds

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Results

Conclusion