Perception of Domestic Violence against Women amongst Libyan Migrants in Manchester

Abstract

We surveyed one hundred and seventy five Libyans in Manchester in order to assess their attitudes and perceptions of domestic violence against women (DVAW). Overall, 82% of the participants agreed that the definition of DVAW involves verbal abuse, economic abuse, threat to use violence, physical and sexual violence. Ninety-five percent agreed that if the husband shouts at his wife, curses her, pulls or pushes her, punches her, or breaks things in the house, these behaviours reflect DVAW. Unemployment (80%) and lack of material resources (70%) were the major perceived contributing factors regarding DVAW. We discuss the implications of the study and its limitations.