Power, Helplessness and Compromising: Influences of Resettlement on Incidence of Intimate Partner Violence

Date
2014-07-02
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Violence against women is a violation of human rights. Canada spends approximately $1 billion annually providing services to prevent violence against women. This study aimed to understand resettlement and its influences on incidents of intimate partner violence among the South Asian community. Due to the intimate nature of violence, the term “intimate partner violence” was adopted in this study. To gain a holistic perspective, this study included the voices of immigrant South Asian women and men experiencing intimate partner violence in Canada. Informed by Charmaz’ constructivist approach, the inquiry process consisted of interviews with 6 women and 5 men. A search of the literature indicates lack of studies to understand resettlement and its influences on incidents of intimate partner violence among the South Asian community. To address gaps in the literature, this study included the voices of both men and women immigrant South Asians. By including the voices of men in this study, the aim was to address gaps in the literature with regards to including the perspectives of immigrant men, on resettlement and intimate partner violence. The analysis unearthed complex interplay of interdependent pre- and post-migration factors and brought forth a grounded theory of power imbalances, and helplessness that forces immigrants to compromise to live with intimate violence. According to the proposed theory, many immigrant South Asians are confronted by societal norms that are often gender specific, and fear societal incrimination due to separation and divorce. In addition are the systemic, structural and institutional barriers and stereotypes that prevail in the dominant community. The theory illuminates that immigrating to a developed country does little to eradicate patriarchal attitudes, attitudes to societal norms such as arranged marriages and dowry and associating woman’s behaviour to family honour. Exacerbating these circumstances are the realities of lack of appropriate resources, fear of living in poverty and isolation, and fear of involving external service providers. The dissertation addresses implications of the study with respect to theoretical development and social work practice. By broadening current perspectives, this study makes valuable contribution to understanding intimate partner violence among immigrants from South Asia residing in Canada.
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Keywords
Education--Health, Canadian Studies, WomenÕs Studies
Citation
Kharat, P. (2014). Power, Helplessness and Compromising: Influences of Resettlement on Incidence of Intimate Partner Violence (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/27394