The lived experience of migrant women who are survivors of domestic violence

in the UK

Mirela SulaPhD candidate

www.migrantwoman.com

Research question

What is the lived experience of migrant women who are survivors of domestic violence in the UK while going through the stages of migration?

Working directly with women

Working directly with women This experience has allowed me to work directly with migrant women who have been affected by domestic violence, which has been invaluable.  

Literature Review Domestic violence is a gender-based

issue, essentially about achieving power and control over someone in an intimate relationship, occurring to predominantly more women than men.

It is not limited to any race; nationality, religion; economic background; social status or any other factor, which divides society

Statistics

3 million women experience at least one incident of domestic violence each year (Coy et al., 2007).

45% of women in England and Wales are affected by domestic violence, sexual assault or persecution in their lifetime.

One in four women face with domestic violence at some point in their lives (Walby & Allen, 2004).

Two women per week are killed by a partner or ex-partner (Home Office, 2004)

Statistics

The most severe DV happens

- Among migrant women, -Low-income women -Women of colour

(Alvadaro & Massey, 2010; Erez et al., 2009; Thapa et al., 2007; Dutton et al., 2000)

The multiple connections between violence against women and migration Several studies have shown the interest

on exploring how immigrant status influences violence experienced by women (Erez, 2000; Mahapatra).

It is suggested that domestic violence increases in immigration contexts (Kulwicky, 2010; Raj & Silverman, 2002).

Migrant women and DV

Gender roles, Marriage Language competency Employment skills Children’s safety Fear of deportation Local sentiments toward immigrants Experiences with the criminal justice system

(Kulwicky, 2010)

Lived Experience

Examining Stages of migration on Stages of Domestic Violence

6 stages of DV…

1) Managing situation. 2) Distortion of perspective/reality. 3) Defining abuse. 4) Re-evaluation of the relationship. 5) Ending the relationship. 6) Ending the abuse

Kelly et al (1999)

3 stages of Migration… Pre-migration Migration Post migration

(Bhugra & Jones, 2001)

Methodology – IPA Getting as close as possible to the essence

of the participants lived experiences Attempting to understand through their

eyes Taking into account social and cultural

context

(Smith & Osborn, 2007; Smith et al., 2009).

IPA Phenomenologists focus on participant’s specific

statements and experiences about a phenomenon.

IPA is interested in what it means to be human and not interested in the universal truth.

It is flexible to difference and focus on consciousness

Through IPA both researcher and participants gain insights which are empowering.

(Smith et al, 2009; Biggerstaff, 2008; Smith & Osborn 2007).

Participants

Ten migrant women who have migrated in the past 15 years in the UK and have been affected by DV have been selected to participate in the study.  

Questions?