A Systematic Review of Intimate Partner Violence Interventions Impacting South Asian Women in the United States

Abstract

This systematic review is the first published attempt to synthesize literature pertaining to intimate partner violence (IPV) interventions impacting South Asian women in the United States. Applying the conceptual framework of intersectionality, the goals of this review are to (1) understand current trends, intervention modalities, and areas of focus within IPV interventions targeting South Asian communities in the United States and (2) to identify gaps in the address of IPV among these communities. Using the Cochrane Handbook and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched 35 databases and identified 12 research studies. Our study included a collective sample of 318 South Asian IPV survivors and 25 organizations. Findings underscore that there are minimal IPV interventions available to South Asian women living in the United States. Most interventions have not been systematically evaluated, making their efficacy questionable. Those that reported outcome evaluation, namely recurrence of IPV, demonstrated limited efficacy. IPV research on South Asian women often dismisses financial concerns in light of cultural dimensions impacting IPV. Given that financial dependence is a major driver of violence against South Asian women, scholars must question the efficacy of available interventions that cannot foster the social and economic security of IPV survivors. Without sufficient attention to the intersecting social, cultural, and economic challenges that South Asian women face in abusive relationships, the efficacy of IPV interventions will remain limited.

Health Care Providers Views on Identifying and Responding to South Asian Women Experiencing Family Violence: A Qualitative Meta Synthesis

“…Even while visiting health care women are always accompanied by family members, which serves as a barrier between women and health care provider’s interactions (Hyder et al, 2007). Likewise, another review of the literature on FV interventions for South Asian women living in the United States reported that among South Asian women family honor, relations, and shame were discovered to be linked with a lack of help seeking behavior and limited utilization of services (Tripathi & Azhar, 2020). Further, health care providers avoided intervening because it is felt that if they question about FV, women might not like this approach and might not come again due to fear of family disgrace (Zakar.…”

“…Encouraging more comprehensive research involving HCPs from South Asian and other countries addressing FV in South Asian community Availability of testing screening tools for FV in South Asian communities and limited utilization of services (Tripathi & Azhar, 2020). Further, health care providers avoided intervening because it is felt that if they question about FV, women might not like this approach and might not come again due to fear of family disgrace (Zakar.…”

COVID‐19 related distress and sleep health among trauma‐exposed South Asians: Does generational status matter?

“…The higher rates of IPV among South Asians in the U.S. are believed to be linked to cultural norms, such as rigid gender roles, beliefs that reporting IPV may bring dishonour to the family, and a patriarchal system. For second‐ and third‐generation individuals in particular, being raised in the American culture, while also trying to maintain close ties to their cultures of origin becomes a struggle that may place them at a higher risk for experiencing abuse (Tripathi & Azhar, 2022 ).…”

Intimate partner violence: A loop of abuse, depression and victimization

“…It has been observed that women have the tendency to remain with violent partners due to a variety of reasons, including social norms, worry for children, and economic issues. Immigrant women require a specific culturally-tailored approach and may need specific advocacy and interventions that also focus on financial abuse and are finalized to economic empowerment, including individual mental health counseling (when the shame and stigma associated to intimate partner violence in many ethnic communities increase the reluctance to discuss in groups) and services provided in community member’s native language or in intervention delivery settings (shared community environments including churches, mosques, temples)[ 5 ].…”

“…For example, many immigrant women have to cope with issues regarding their cultural integration into another society while at the same time concurrently feeling related and profoundly bounded by cultures and traditions from their countries of origin. Dependence on one’s partner, difficulties in language proficiency, financial problems, lack of social support, and uncertain legal status can leave these subjects feeling fragile and socially isolated and can prevent them from seeking assistance; besides, women linked to particular cultural backgrounds may refuse to acknowledge certain acts and behaviors as abusive due to beliefs and traditions regarding familial obligations and culturally prescribed gender roles[ 5 ].…”