Gender-based violence among refugee women referred to a Cultural Consultation Service in Montreal

2021 ◽  
pp. 136346152110437
Author(s):  
Marcela Mezzatesta Gava ◽  
Laia Miquel ◽  
G. Eric Jarvis
Keyword(s):  
Partner Violence ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Consultation Service ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Refugee Women ◽  
Group A ◽  
Gender Based

Gender-based violence (GBV) among female refugees/asylum seekers is a major underreported/understudied psychosocial issue. The aims of this study were: to describe the proportion of GBV-related experiences among female refugees/asylum seekers referred to a Cultural Consultation Service (CCS) in Montreal; to describe their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics; and to compare these characteristics among women who make GBV their principal refugee claim (Group A), those who did not but had suffered GBV (Group B1), and those who had never reported GBV (Group B2). Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables and GBV were gathered by chart review. Data were analyzed using chi-square for categorical and ANOVA for continuous comparisons. A total of 91 female refugees/asylum seekers were evaluated from 2000 to 2013; 80% (73/91) having reported GBV, with 38.5% (35/91) using GBV as the principal reason for seeking asylum in Canada (Group A), mainly due to intimate partner violence (IPV). Fully 66.6% (38/56) of women who sought asylum for reasons other than GBV reported having experienced GBV (Group B1). When compared to the other groups, Group A women exhibited a number of statistically significant differences: they tended to migrate alone ( p < .001), be divorced/single ( p = .02), have more suicidal thoughts/behaviors ( p < .001), and report a history of IPV ( p < .001). Women from Group B1 were more likely to be diagnosed with Affective Disorders ( p = .045), and to have suffered sexual violence ( p < .001). Results suggest that GBV is frequently experienced by refugee/asylum seeker women in this small, tertiary care clinical sample. When assessing refugee women such as these, differences in the kind of violence suffered, migration process, family/social support, and clinical related features should be taken into account and explored by clinicians in a culturally appropriate and safe manner.

scholarly journals Experiences of gender-based violence in women asylum seekers from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 46-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim A. Baranowski ◽  
Eileen Wang ◽  
Megan R. D'Andrea ◽  
Elizabeth K. Singer
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
El Salvador ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Psychological Evaluation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Human Rights Violations ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Gender Based

Introduction: Every year, thousands of women flee gender-based violence in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala (sometimes collectively referred to as the Northern Triangle) in an attempt to seek asylum in the United States. Once in the United States, their legal teams may refer them for a psychological evaluation as part of their application for asylum. Licensed clinicians conduct in-depth interviews in order to document the psychological impact of the reported human rights violations. Method: Using archival de-identified data from a human rights program, this study gathered the experiences of gender-based violence reported by 70 asylum-seeking women from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala who participated in pro bono psychological evaluation. Descriptive data were analyzed using a modified consensual qualitative research (CQR-M) method.Results: These asylum seekers reported exposure to systemic violence, including severe intimate partner violence, as well as physical and sexual assaults, and threats of death by organized criminal groups in their communities. Additionally, over a third of women reported experiences of violence during their migration. The majority of asylum seekers endorsed symptoms associated with anxiety (80%) and depression (91%), as well as trauma-and stressor-related symptoms (80%). Discussion: The results of this study elucidate the manyforms of gender-based violence experienced by women in this region, the physical and psychological sequelae of this persecution, and the systemic forces that prevent them from remaining in their countries of origin. The research results also highlight the potential impact of trauma on the women’s ability to testify effectively during asylum legal hearings, elucidate factors that may contribute to their resilience in light of the human rights violations they survived, and suggest implications for clinical practice.

Psychoeducation Trauma Intervention for Refugee Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S620-S620
Author(s):  
R.M. Bramble
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Refugee Women ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Gender Based

For intimate partner violence survivors, groups are helpful in that they reduce the sense of isolation, which accompanies trauma survivors as well as provides a sense of belongingness. Judith Herman states that survivors of gender-based violence in particular, suffer from the secrecy, shame and stigma that are predictable social consequences of this form of violation. Moreover, intimate partner violence increases when women are isolated from their families, communities and peers. For refugee women, the shame associated with migration trauma, along with having an undocumented status is prevalent and keeps them from seeking services. The psychoeducation 8 session intervention helps this vulnerable population understand the physiological response stress, trauma and post traumatic stress disorder. Once symptoms have been identified, sessions enable women to reduce the symptoms by utilizing methods of self-care. Cultural specific material for Latina undocumented IPV survivors in New York City with integration of breath work, sensorimotor, music and easy movements will be highlighted to demonstrate intervention.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals The potential role of network-oriented interventions for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence among asylum seekers in Belgium

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilomo Ogbe ◽  
Alaa Jbour ◽  
Ladan Rahbari ◽  
Maya Unnithan ◽  
Olivier Degomme
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Repeat Victimization ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Coping Process ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Background Social support and social network members have been identified as an important factor in mitigating the effects of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and improving the coping process for many survivors. Network oriented strategies have been advocated for among domestic violence survivors, as they help build on improving social support and addressing factors that alleviate repeat victimization. There are opportunities to implement such strategies among asylum seekers who are survivors of SGBV in asylum centres, however, this has not been fully explored. This study sought to identify key strategies and opportunities for developing peer-led and network-oriented strategies for mitigating the effects of SGBV among asylum seekers at these centres. Methods Twenty-seven interviews, were conducted with service providers (n = 14) / asylum seekers (n = 13) at three asylum centres in Belgium. A theoretical model developed by the research team from a literature review and discussions with experts and stakeholders, was used as a theoretical framework to analyse the data. An abduction approach with qualitative content analysis was used by the two researchers to analyse the data. Data triangulation was done with findings from observations at these centres over a period of a year. Results Many of the asylum seekers presented with PTSD or psychosomatic symptoms, because of different forms of SGBV, including intimate partner violence, or other trauma experienced during migration. Peer and family support were very influential in mitigating the effects and social costs of violence among the asylum seekers by providing emotional and material support. Social assistants were viewed as an information resource that was essential for most of the asylum seekers. Peer-peer support was identified as a potential tool for mitigating the effects of SGBV. Conclusion Interventions involving asylum seekers and members of their network (especially peers), have the potential for improving physical and mental health outcomes of asylum seekers who are SGBV survivors.

Intimate Partner Violence and Its Under-Reporting in Pakistan

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 254
Author(s):  
Abdul Hadi
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Relationship ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Power Relationship ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Patriarchal System ◽  
Attempted Murder ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Private Matter

Intimate Partner violence is not a culturally limited practice, but prevails in every country, irrespective of culture, class, and ethnicity. Violence is one of the mechanisms used by men to control and subjugate women; and is a manifestation of unequal power relationship sustained by patriarchy. Patriarchy makes violence necessary for the sake of its existence. Intimate partner violence, the most common forms of gender-based violence entails the exertion of power over a partner in an intimate relationship through a behavior that is intimidating, threatening, harassing or harmful. The spouse can be harmed physically, as well sexually, emotionally, and psychologically, the violence can occur multiple times. Intimate partner violence in Pakistan persists almost in every family because women have subjugated and vulnerable status and are generally treated as second class citizens. Generally, the occurrence of violence at home is effectively condoned and regarded it as ‘private matter’ which does not require any intervention. it is seldom recognized as a crime socially unless it takes an extreme form of murder or attempted murder which could range from driving a woman to suicide or engineering an accident (frequently the bursting of a kitchen stove). This study aims to find out the factors which precipitate Intimate partner violence in Pakistan and what are the factors which preclude the reporting of Intimate partner violence and seeking legal redress. This study has found that strict cultural and patriarchal system and values precipitate intimate partner violence and also preclude victims to report the incidences by not giving them appropriate moral, cultural and legal support.

scholarly journals Sexual health (excluding reproductive health, intimate partner violence and gender-based violence) and COVID-19: a scoping review

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054896
Author(s):  
Navin Kumar ◽  
Kamila Janmohamed ◽  
Kate Nyhan ◽  
Laura Forastiere ◽  
Wei-Hong Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Health Disparities ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing socioeconomic and health disparities, including disparities in sexual health and well-being. While there have been several reviews published on COVID-19 and population health disparities generally—including some with attention to HIV—none has focused on sexual health (ie, STI care, female sexual health, sexual behaviour). We have conducted a scoping review focused on sexual health (excluding reproductive health (RH), intimate partner violence (IPV) and gender-based violence (GBV)) in the COVID-19 era, examining sexual behaviours and sexual health outcomes.MethodsA scoping review, compiling both peer-reviewed and grey literature, focused on sexual health (excluding RH, IPV and GBV) and COVID-19 was conducted on 15 September 2020. Multiple bibliographical databases were searched. Study selection conformed to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewers’ Manual 2015 Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews. We only included English-language original studies.ResultsWe found that men who have sex with men may be moving back toward pre-pandemic levels of sexual activity, and that STI and HIV testing rates seem to have decreased. There was minimal focus on outcomes such as the economic impact on sexual health (excluding RH, IPV and GBV) and STI care, especially STI care of marginalised populations. In terms of population groups, there was limited focus on sex workers or on women, especially women’s sexual behaviour and mental health. We noticed limited use of qualitative techniques. Very few studies were in low/middle-income countries (LMICs).ConclusionsSexual health research is critical during a global infectious disease pandemic and our review of studies suggested notable research gaps. Researchers can focus efforts on LMICs and under-researched topics within sexual health and explore the use of qualitative techniques and interventions where appropriate.

scholarly journals The pitfalls of modelling the effects of COVID-19 on gender-based violence: lessons learnt and ways forward

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. e005739
Author(s):  
Michelle Lokot ◽  
Amiya Bhatia ◽  
Shirin Heidari ◽  
Amber Peterman
Keyword(s):  
Partner Violence ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Global Estimates ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
Service Disruption ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Modelling Effort ◽  
Global Stakeholders ◽  
Modelling Data ◽  
Highly Cited

Since early 2020, global stakeholders have highlighted the significant gendered consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including increases in the risk of gender-based violence (GBV). Researchers have sought to inform the pandemic response through a diverse set of methodologies, including early efforts modelling anticipated increases in GBV. For example, in April 2020, a highly cited modelling effort by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and partners projected headline global figures of 31 million additional cases of intimate partner violence due to 6 months of lockdown, and an additional 13 million child marriages by 2030. In this paper, we discuss the rationale for using modelling to make projections about GBV, and use the projections released by UNFPA to draw attention to the assumptions and biases underlying model-based projections. We raise five key critiques: (1) reducing complex issues to simplified, linear cause-effect relationships, (2) reliance on a small number of studies to generate global estimates, (3) assuming that the pandemic results in the complete service disruption for existing interventions, (4) lack of clarity in indicators used and sources of estimates, and (5) failure to account for margins of uncertainty. We argue that there is a need to consider the motivations and consequences of using modelling data as a planning tool for complex issues like GBV, and conclude by suggesting key considerations for policymakers and practitioners in using and commissioning such projections.

Gendered dimensions of health in refugee situations: An examination of sexual and gender-based violence faced by refugee women in Nakivale refugee settlement, Uganda

2021 ◽  
pp. 002087282110039
Author(s):  
Hadijah Mwenyango
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Refugee Women ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

This article analyses the interplay between women’s social identity, migration and manifestation of sexual and gender-based violence. The research used mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings show experiences of domestic, sexual, community and survival violence. Their predicaments are exacerbated by socio-cultural and structural influences, and despite commitments for protecting refugees, more has to be done to meet the needs of victims. The article reveals the urgency for the adoption of gender-responsive and rights-based approaches in refugee interventions. The capacity of frontline workers must be enhanced to detect violence, appreciate the needs and rights of victims and provide appropriate support.

From Hell to High Water: The Life of Rohingya Refugee Women in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Mahanam Bhattacharjee Mithun
Keyword(s):  
High Water ◽  
Gender Mainstreaming ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Family Ties ◽  
Refugee Women ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
The Government ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Community Decision

Abstract Bangladesh is currently hosting nearly a million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar and more than half of the refugee population comprises women. In Myanmar, due to the government-imposed securitization and relatively conservative culture, Rohingya women were not able to enjoy their rights and freedom and were mainly confined to their homes. Upon arriving in Bangladesh, they are facing additional challenges. This article aims to find the underlying causes that alienated women from enjoying their rights and whether the life of the Rohingya women has improved or not in Bangladesh. This article shows that, due to the lack of a women-friendly environment inside camps, gender norms and malpractices, breakdown of family ties, and increased number of gender-based violence against women, they are more vulnerable than ever. This paper argued that humanitarian organization and the government should promote gender mainstreaming towards bringing refugee women into the community decision-making process along with raising awareness among the Rohingya community.

Gender-Based Violence Among HIV-Positive Women in Kazakhstan: Prevalence, Types, and Associated Risk and Protective Factors

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (13) ◽  
pp. 1570-1590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Jiwatram-Negrón ◽  
Nabila El-Bassel ◽  
Sholpan Primbetova ◽  
Assel Terlikbayeva
Keyword(s):  
Protective Factors ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Risk And Protective Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Hiv Positive Women ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Partner Gender

This article examines the prevalence and associated multilevel risk and protective factors of intimate and nonintimate partner violence among a sample of 249 HIV-positive women in Kazakhstan. We found high prevalence of both lifetime intimate partner violence (52%) and nonintimate partner violence (30%). Together, nearly 60% experienced at least one incident of violence by either an intimate or nonintimate partner (gender-based violence [GBV]). In the multivariate analyses, we found associations between several individual, interpersonal, and socio-structural risk factors and GBV. Findings provide direction for practice, policy, and future research to address the intersection of GBV and HIV in Kazakhstan.

scholarly journals Invisible Lives: Gender, Dispossession, and Precarity amongst Syrian Refugee Women in the Middle East

Refuge ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nergis Canefe
Keyword(s):  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Work Experiences ◽  
Life Chances ◽  
Refugee Women ◽  
Syrian Refugee ◽  
Illegal Migrants ◽  
Forced Labour ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Immigration Management

This article attends to the connections between neo-liberal and neo-developmentalist labour regimes, asylum and immigration management, and the exploitation of undocumented, refugee, and migrant women, based on the experiences of Syrian refugee women in Turkey. The concept of precarity is explored as a selectively applied strategy by states to people who lack “status” or who are unable to benefit from “membership rights.” Forced migrants, illegal migrants, and asylum seekers are directly implicated in highly precarious work experiences at the bottom end of labour markets across the Global South, becoming trapped in forced labour and human trafficking arrangements. The article establishes a link between extreme forms of migrant labour exploitation in precarious life worlds and gender-based profiling of life chances.

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