Domestic Violence Among Asian Indian Immigrant Women: Risk Factors, Acculturation, and Intervention

Abstract

Asian Indian women who immigrate to the United States through arranged marriages are at high risk of experiencing domestic abuse. Professionals working in this arena have identified unique cultural and contextual factors related to abuse experienced by this population. This article provides a taxonomy of the factors related to domestic violence experienced by Asian Indian immigrant women in the United States and their implications for service providers. Acculturation and its implications for battered Asian Indian women's ability to recognize violent acts as abuse is also discussed. This article is aimed at human service providers working with Asian Indian women. In cases of domestic abuse, the various factors discussed must be taken into consideration in providing culturally competent interventions

Key Words:

• Domestic violence
• Asian Indian
• acculturation