Understandings and Perceptions of Domestic Violence Among Newly Arrived Afghan Women in Australia

Abstract

Women’s perceptions of domestic violence vary across societies and cultures and might change by moving to a new society. This study aims to explore newly arrived Afghan women’s understandings and perceptions of domestic violence and whether they perceive this as acceptable. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 newly arrived Afghan women in Australia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed inductively to generate and organize themes. The findings showed that informants had a sound knowledge and understanding of domestic violence, and many of them identified various forms of violence. Also, informants strongly rejected that violence against women be considered normal or acceptable.

Post-Resettlement Intimate Partner Domestic Violence in Afghan and Arab Refugees: A Scoping Review

“…Some of the examined articles emphasized the impact of the new environment on the refugee women's attitude toward IPDV; for example, Afrouz and colleagues reported that resettlement in a new environment impacts women's perspectives on IPDV, viewing it as abnormal and unacceptable (Afrouz et al 2021a). In another study, a change in women's attitudes was reported to depend on their education level, English proficiency, personal experience of IPDV, years of living in the host country, connecting with the host society, and pursuing education in the new home (Afrouz et al 2021b). Tlapek, S. M. and colleagues also reported that refugee women in their host countries encounter new gender roles that can increase daily relational confrontations; refugee women may stand up to their partners, ask for shared decision-making, and no longer tolerate inadequate pre-resettlement gender norms (Tlapek et al 2020).…”

“…Afrouz et al reported that Afghan women have different levels of understanding and define IPDV differently. Women without sound knowledge of IPDV might perceive violence as normal (Afrouz et al 2021b). Abdel Meguid, M. B. and colleagues also reported a wide range of responses on the definition of abusive words and abusive actions; as an example, women agreed that "men making fun of their wives in front of others or calling them names" are examples of emotional abuse, and most agreed that physical abuse is not acceptable; however, actions like "forced intercourse or refusing to have sex with the wife if she is not obedient" were reported as less abusive (Meguid and Bakry 2006).…”

“…Afrouz et al also discussed immigration status (visa status) and economic instability as the major barriers to women's action. They highlighted that "for women entering Australia on a spouse visa, visa restrictions could place them in a vulnerable situation in which they are subject to control by their husbands (Afrouz et al 2021b)".…”

“…Most studies highlight the role of community perspectives and support in how women take action. Afrouz et al mentioned that knowledge and beliefs about IPDV are not enough to act when the community and partners have different perspectives and definitions, and when the greater community normalizes IPDV, women may not get the support and assistance they need (Afrouz et al 2021b). Watchter et al mentioned that women could go to the elder community members for support back in their country of origin, which may not be the same post-resettlement (Wachter et al 2021).…”

“…Several studies recommended future steps in the understanding of and approach to supporting refugee women in the case of IPDV. Afrouz et al suggested expanding the community definition of IPDV to include various forms of abuse through long-term and consistent community education, and training should be delivered in collaboration with community members (Afrouz et al 2021b). Changes should include a systemic level: religious leaders' approach to IPDV, community support for IPDV laws, and agencies' organizational approach to IPDV, and an improvement in the cultural diversity of available supportive services (Afrouz et al 2021a).…”