Conceptualizing partner abuse among south asian women in Hong Kong

Purpose: This qualitative study was conducted with 14 South Asian women in Hong Kong to explore their perception and experiences of domestic violence by an intimate partner. Design: All interviews were transcribed and then coded based on the process of coding suggested by Strauss and Corbin, including both open and axial coding. Results: Data analysis resulted in two main core categories, “Women’s perception of domestic violence” and “Cultural factors that influence their help seeking behavior,” denoting that the context in which domestic violence is experienced influences women’s perception and understanding of domestic violence. Participants also drew on the discourse of culture to explain its role in their experiences of domestic violence. Conclusion: Domestic violence is a concern among this group of South Asian women. Culturally appropriate domestic violence services and public education on domestic violence are needed for this community

Understanding the Role of Patriarchal Ideology in Intimate Partner Violence among South Asian Immigrant Women in Hong Kong

This article explores intimate partner violence using a patriarchal framework, which sheds light on how the problem of intimate partner violence against women is anchored in social and cultural conditions, rather than in individual attributes. The study participants comprised South Asian women who have migrated to Hong Kong. Narrative analyses revealed how patriarchal norms are linked to intimate partner violence and how this has a direct effect on the position and role of females in the home and produces inequality in marriage. Within the framework of patriarchy, and the limitations of using a small, specific sample population, the article also identifies implications for practice

Domestic violence: intersection of culture, gender and context

This study examines South Asian women’s experience of domestic violence in Hong Kong. Despite the proliferation of literature on domestic violence, this issue remain unexplored in the discourse of domestic violence in Hong Kong. A qualitative research approach through face to face interview with 14 women was employed. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Findings from this study highlight the importance of considering the social and cultural influence on how women perceived and construct their experiences of abuse. Implications for practice and policies are highlighted

Acculturation, perceived discrimination, and psychological distress: the experiences of South Asians in Hong Kong

Although migration itself may not compromise the mental health of immigrants, the acculturative process can involve highly stressful factors that are specific to immigrant and minority status. Using structural equation modeling, this study examined the relations between acculturation orientations, perceived discrimination, acculturative stress, and psychological distress among 229 Pakistani and 218 Nepalese migrants living in Hong Kong. Although the initial hypothesized model was not confirmed, a modified model with good fit indices showed that acculturation orientation mediated the relationships of perceived discrimination and acculturative stress with psychological distress. Of all the factors in the model, acculturative stress had the strongest association with psychological distress

A study of domestic violence among the South Asian in Hong Kong

Background and Purpose: Domestic violence is a widespread social and legal problem around the world and occurs in all social groups regardless of age, education, religion, economic status, ethnicity, or cultural identity. Violence against women is a growing problem as a human rights issue at the international level. While there have been research conducted to explore and understand domestic violence among Chinese women in Hong Kong, including the establishment of a special commission, “The Women’s Commission,” to address women’s issues, however, this does not extend to ethnic minority women in Hong Kong. Although South Asians have lived in Hong Kong for decades, there have been no studies conducted to examine domestic violence among the ethnic minorities (The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, March 2008). For the purpose of this study, the South Asian women refer to Pakistani, Nepalese and Indian immigrants living in Hong Kong. Methods: The exploratory method study can help in understanding the study participants’ experiences with domestic violence. Implications: Findings from this study can help improve policies and services that are culturally sensitive and appropriate, aimed at reducing domestic violence among ethnic minorities in Hong Kong

Complexity of domestic violence in a South Asian context in Hong Kong: cultural and structural impact

With the dearth of empirical research related to the experiences of domestic violence among South Asian communities in Hong Kong,this study engages with migrant South Asian women’s subjective understanding and experience of domestic violence. Presenting women’s narratives of their experiences with domestic violence allow for a better understanding of the complexities that inform and shape women’s experiences and decision-making in the face of partner violence. This empirical study investigated South Asian women’s experience of domestic violence in the context of Hong Kong through in-depth interviews with 14 South Asian women who had experienced abuse and 6 helping professionals from 4 social service agencies. Analysis of the data revealed that the nature and context of abuse posed as a barrier in their help seeking. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the influence of cultural and structural conditions and the difficulties and complexities women face that increases women’s vulnerability to abuse. This paper offers an analysis of how structures thereby come to impact on women’s distress and vulnerability. The study also highlights the need for inclusive service provision for minority ethnic women experiencing domestic violence

Psychological Distress, Coping and Perceived Social Support in Social Work Students

The purpose of this study was to assess psychological distress, perceived social support and effective coping strategies among undergraduate students enrolled in social work programme, and to identify the factors that impact psychological distress. Data were collected from 234 junior (third-year) and senior-year (fourth-year) undergraduate social work students from a large public university in central California. Data on demographics,psychological distress (in terms of depression, anxiety and stress), coping and perceived social support were collected voluntarily through survey questionnaires. The sample reported moderate levels of depression and anxiety and a fairly high level of perceived social support. Perceived social support was negatively correlated with depression,anxiety and stress. Female students reported utilizing more emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies compared with male students. Avoidant coping emerged as a significant predictor for psychological distress. Students in junior year reported lower perceived social support and higher mean scores on psychological distress compared to students in senior year. The current findings demonstrate the importance of enhancing social support and encouraging positive strategies of coping among social work students. The importance of enhancing support among students to cope with the stress and pressure of academic demands are highlighted. Implications for social work educators and administrators are discussed