Intimate partner violence and abuse against Nigerian women resident in England, UK: a cross- sectional qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundIntimate partner violence and abuse is a public health problem affecting more than one third of all women globally. It usually takes place between individuals in intimate relationships and/or within the family. In the United Kingdom (UK), while theoretical and policy interventions have led to an increase in intimate partner violence and abuse service provision for women, there is paucity of research on the disclosure and help-seeking practices of women from ethnic minority populations.MethodsA cross-sectional qualitative research design was utilised. This included individual, in-depth semi-structured interviews with Nigerian women (n = 16) resident in England with lived experience of intimate partner violence and abuse. The interviews were conducted between May 2012 and May 2013, and data were analysed using thematic analysis technique.ResultsThree main themes were identified as factors influencing the disclosure and help-seeking practices of Nigerian (ethnic minority population) women in England, UK. These are socialisation from country of birth, immigration status, and acculturation in the country of immigration.ConclusionsNigerian (ethnic minority populations) women resident in England with lived experience of abuse are likely to seek help from leaders and members of their ethnic community groups and faith-based organisations. There is need for collaborative working with ethnic community groups and faith-based organisations to enhance access and facilitate the utilisation of existing intimate partner violence services.

The Role of Cultural Beliefs, Norms, and Practices in Nigerian Women’s Experiences of Sexual Abuse and Violence

“…In addition, men used religion to assert gendered expectations on women such that when women resisted expectations of them as a "traditional wife," violence was sometimes used to get them to conform (Gangoli et al, 2020;Mama, 1989;Thiara & Gill, 2012). With regard to disclosure and help-seeking, studies found that the desire to maintain their "honor" within their community, cultural norms acquired through socialization, and gendered power relations were key features in women's narratives of their inability to seek help and escape abusive relationships (Ahmed et al, 2009;Femi-Ajao, 2018;Gill & Harrison, 2019). Similar findings were reported in a scoping review examining sociocultural risk factors affecting domestic violence among South Asian immigrant women in English-speaking countries (Rai & Choi, 2018).…”

Community Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Intimate Partner Violence during Pregnancy—A Qualitative Study from Ethiopia

“…The presence of informal social networks, where religious leaders are part of the collaborative community responses, have been shown effective to improve access, facilitate the utilization of existing IPV services, and changing norms related to it [58,59]. They may also be crucial in responding to the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of IPV victims.…”

Review Paper: ‘Discourses on the Place of Mothers Rights where They Are Subject to Domestic Violence within Child Protection Work in England’

“…Cultural attitudes however can be pervasive and deep in such areas [33][34][35][36]. Dobash and Dobash [29] discuss the effects of such "hidden" factors, despite legal and policy changes.…”