Family violence in migrant women in Australia: strategies for migrant men to reduce the violence.

Abstract

Although the literature documenting violence against women is extensive, it is also incomplete, particularly amongst migrant women from patriarchal or collectivist societies where gender norms place women in a subordinate position to men. In Victoria, it is known that there is high rate of family violence committed in the Vietnamese, Indian and Sudanese communities as compared to other communities (Victoria Police Crime Statistics 2010/2011). However, women from migrant backgrounds encounter several obstacles such as threats of deportation, language barriers, and unfamiliarity with the Australian laws that make it especially difficult for them to seek help. The present study examined the proportion of migrant women who would seek assistance if they faced abuse from their partners. As predicted, the results demonstrate that migrant women are reluctant to seek assistance. Factors such as unawareness of support options, criminal sanctions against domestic violence, misconceptions of the legal implications of disclosure, and familial obligation were influencing factors. It is therefore necessary to examine how we can promote assistance available amongst migrant women, but to also implement strategies that consider culture-specific sensitivities. The findings also have implications for migrant men in Australia to be educated about their responsibilities towards their partners and the consequences of any ill-treatment.

With the findings of the present study, migrant men can be educated about some of the reasons such as fear of repercussions from them (the partner), the family and the cultural group, a lack of knowledge of available resources and other familial and culturally-intrinsic factors why their partner may choose not to engage in help-seeking behaviour, even when there is violence within the relationship. The men also need to understand that perhaps the legal implications of family violence are different in Australia compared to that of their home country and that they need to adhere to the laws here. The men further need to be educated that what may be considered a man’s “right” with regard to their behaviour with their partner in certain countries may be considered abuse in Australia, which sometimes even the women fail to recognise. It is necessary that migrant men are provided with this information because with increasing time spent in this country, women are more likely to become aware of their rights within a marital relationship; therefore, the men also need to be educated about their obligations towards their partner. Overall, it is suggested that migrant men be educated about appropriate behaviours within a marital relationship and provided with opportunities to correct any inappropriate behaviour, especially when they have been in Australia for a short period of time.