This study examined the extent of domestic violence and sociocultural factors (isolation, social support, acculturation, and patriarchy) associated with domestic violence among a community sample of 215 women of South Asian origin in the U.S. The sample is the largest to date in a study of domestic violence among South Asian women. Both paper and Web surveys were used. Of the sample, 38 % experienced some form of abuse in the past year. Isolation from spouse/partner and perceived social support predicted abuse. This information is vital in developing effective and culturally appropriate intervention methods for South Asian women victims of domestic violence.

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This study used survey methodology and logistic regression analysis to examine sociocultural factors (isolation, social support, acculturation, and patriarchy) associated with informal and formal help seeking among a community sample of 57 female domestic violence victims of South Asian origin residing in the United States. Of them, 35 (61%) reported seeking some type of help in the past year. Most of the 35 (60%) sought informal help. Participants who were more isolated from their spouse/partner and were not living with children were more likely to seek help. Most women said they sought help from others as a last option. Participants rated the effectiveness of many informal and formal sources of help as “moderately” to “very” helpful. The findings can be used to develop culturally specific intervention programs/services for South Asian women victims of domestic violence.

Human trafficking has become a major national and international problem, and while research suggests that trafficking in human beings for the purpose of cheap labor is higher than trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation, much less is understood about labor trafficking. This entry summarizes the current knowledge about labor trafficking including important definitions, describes ways in which people are exploited for labor, outlines related policies and laws, summarizes needs of survivors, and offers ways in which social workers are and can be involved in responding to this crime.