A Meta-Summary of Qualitative Findings on the Lived Experience among Culturally Diverse Domestic Violence Survivors

Abstract

This meta-summary study explores, extracts, and summarizes themes from related qualitative studies on the lived experiences and coping mechanisms among culturally diverse domestic violence survivors. Using Sandelowski and Barroso's meta-summary strategy, a systematic literature review of articles published between 1990 and 2010 was conducted using a qualitative approach. Of a total of 802 studies, nine met the study inclusion criteria. This meta-summary of nine studies confirms the recurring themes in primary qualitative studies in the literature that illustrate women's experiences of domestic violence. These themes include (a) the effects of violence, (b) the cyclical nature of violence, (c) normalizing and tolerating violence, (d) the strength and resilience of victims, (e) barriers to help-seeking, and (f) the role of substance use in domestic violence. The review shows key cross-cultural differences in women's perceptions of abuse and the causes and strategies for responding to abuse. The review also reveals the lack of studies on domestic violence among women from Central Asia and the former Soviet Union.

Where Did She Go? The Transformation of Self-Esteem, Self-Identity, and Mental Well-Being among Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence

“…According to Lammers et al (2005), the repercussions of emotional abuse (e.g., dominant or silent control and manipulation) for women can manifest as emotional loneliness, despair, guilt, confusion, fear, diminished self-esteem and identity, and anger. A systematic review by Childress (2013) concurred with Lammers' findings; notably, that women described their experiences with violence as devastating to their self-esteem and self-identity. Such experiences manifested in feelings of sadness, isolation, degradation, and despair.…”

Do First Generation Immigrant Adolescents Face Higher Rates of Bullying, Violence and Suicidal Behaviours Than Do Third Generation and Native Born?

“…Our review uncovered one study related to sexual assault experienced by immigrant girls, with first generation black adolescent girls and sexually Hispanic girls being at increased risk in the U.S. [ 32 ]. Though this was the only study in our review documenting increased risk of sexual violence among specific subpopulations of immigrant adolescents, sexual violence and victimisation against women and girls is internationally acknowledged as a health, social, political, and human rights concern, particularly within precarious refugee or immigration contexts [ 59 – 61 ]. The reasons for increased vulnerability are multiple and cross all components of their eco-system.…”

Constructions of Battered Asian Indian Marriage Migrants: The Narratives of Domestic Violence Advocates

“…We begin by reviewing select developments in domestic violence scholarship, especially from intersectional perspectives, including proposals to advance intersectional scholarship beyond the emphasis on intersecting social locations. Over the last 20 years, domestic violence scholars have challenged the dominant stereotypes of battered women (Ammons, 1995; Stark, 1995; Weis, Fine, Proweller, Bertram, & Marusza, 1998), documented historical shifts in their portrayal (Dunn, 2005; Dunn & Powell-Williams, 2007; Richie, 1996), revealed how White privilege shapes perspectives of service providers (Donnelly, Cook, Ausdale, & Foley, 2005), and explored how abused women identify themselves (Childress, 2013; Sleutel, 1998; Wharton, 1987).…”