Intimate partner violence in Vietnam and among Vietnamese diaspora communities in western societies: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Informal observations in Australian refuge/shelter services suggest that culturally and linguistically diverse women and children are over-represented in crisis rather than early intervention services. This observation includes Vietnamese women and children escaping intimate partner violence (IPV). There is limited research on the prevalence or characteristics of IPV in Vietnam or their diaspora that sheds light on the role played by immigration, acculturation, gender roles and other factors affecting Vietnamese victims’ help-seeking strategies. Such knowledge can inform innovative responses to reduce IPV among Vietnamese families. We searched electronic databases and websites using keyword terms for ‘intimate partner/family violence’ and ‘Viet*’. The review found that Vietnamese victims and perpetrators of IPV share major similarities with those globally, especially the socio-economic determinants and sequelae of IPV. However, immigration and refugee status confer particular stressors. The review highlights the important bridging role of bilingual and bicultural staff and other emerging and promising directions.