"For us it is like living in the dark": Ethiopian women's experiences with domestic violence

J Interpers Violence. 2005 Aug;20(8):922-40. doi: 10.1177/0886260505277678.

Abstract

This article discusses the experiences of domestic violence among Ethiopian refugees and immigrants in the United States. A subset (n=18) of the larger study sample (N=254) participated in three focus groups with Amharic-speaking survivors of domestic violence who were currently in or had left abusive relationships. The research was conducted through a public health department, University, and community agency partnership. Findings show domestic violence as taking place within a context of immigration, acculturation, and rapid changes in family and social structure. Participants expressed a need for language and culture-specific domestic violence support and advocacy as well as education programs regarding U.S. laws and resources.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression
  • Battered Women* / education
  • Battered Women* / psychology
  • Battered Women* / statistics & numerical data
  • Cultural Characteristics*
  • Emigration and Immigration* / statistics & numerical data
  • Ethiopia / ethnology
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Middle Aged
  • Narration
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Values
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Spouse Abuse / ethnology*
  • Spouse Abuse / prevention & control
  • Spouse Abuse / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Women's Rights*