An Ethnographic–Feminist Study of Jordanian Women's Experiences of Domestic Violence and Process of Resolution

Abstract

We interviewed 12 Jordanian women who had experienced domestic violence (DV) and were receiving assistance at the Jordanian Women's Union (JWU). Our aim was to explore the history and factors supporting attainment of freedom from DV. Narratives revealed themes of DV toward girls; forced marriage; physical, psychological, or sexual abuse before and during marriage; and escalation and enduring DV. Escaping from DV required family and JWU support. In the context of a strongly patriarchal, religious society, we observed a process of resolution by shifting cultural values and themes of empowerment, with an undercurrent of suffering blamed on inequalities in the legal process.

“Plates and Dishes Smash; Married Couples Clash”: Cultural and Social Barriers to Help-Seeking Among Women Domestic Violence Survivors in Kyrgyzstan

“…Similar barriers include cultural norms of gender inequality, the acceptance of women’s roles and low status in society, and the cultural stigma and shame attached to divorce. These findings support prior international research, which has shown that some women believe that abuse is justified and that abusive behaviors on the part of a husband and his family are normal and acceptable (Abeya, Afework, & Yalew, 2012; Bhowon & Munbauhal, 2005; Glantz, Halperin, & Hunt, 1998; Safadi, Swigart, Hamdan-Mansour, Banimustafa, & Constantino, 2013; Sullivan, Senturia, Negash, Shiu-Thornton, & Giday, 2005). In addition, women attributed domestic violence to interference from mothers-in-law and the influence of the mother-in-law on a husband’s behavior.…”

A social-ecological examination into the research, policy and health service delivery environment related to early marriage and sexual and gender-based violence among youth in Jordan

“…The prevalence of physical, emotional, verbal and sexual violence by husbands during pregnancy was 10.4, 23.4, 23.7, and 5.7%, respectively. Safadi, R; Swigart, V; Hamdan-Mansour, AM; Banimustafa, R; Constantino, RE [ 46 ] 2013 An Ethnographic–Feminist Study of Jordanian Women’s Experiences of Domestic Violence and Process of Resolution Youth SGBV Narrative life histories regarding women’s experiences with violence. Women between the ages of 22 and 24 years were included in the sample violence and discrimination often begins in childhood, perpetrated by their fathers.…”

“…• Encourage young girls to stay in school and promote life-skills and livelihoods training and financial independence [46,52]. When young girls stay in school and succeed in their studies, they are less likely to be seen by their families and communities as ready for marriage [48].…”

“…Many of the norms, attitudes, and practices that support SGBV in Jordan appear to be reinforced within families. One small, qualitative study that asked victims of SGBV to reflect on their adolescent years found that women often described patterns of abuse beginning in childhood, with gender discrimination, violence committed by fathers and brothers, and forced marriage, while some women in the study described their future husbands using rape as a means to ensure that the marriage would take place, despite the women's wishes [46]. Another qualitative study conducted among Syrian adolescent boys and girls found that physical and psychological violence committed by family members was also a major concern [56].…”

Kuwaiti Women's Resistance to Patriarchy in the 21st Century: An Exploration of Women's Rights from the Perspectives of Kuwaiti Women

“…However, there is a small but growing body of such research. For example, Reema et al (2013) The research design…”