Korean Community Assessment

There are about 10,203 Koreans in southeast Michigan. According to the Boston’s Asian Task Force’s study, 30% of Korean respondents saw their fathers regularly hit their mothers. At this very moment, our neighbors, friends, and family members are suffering from domestic violence, and this affects not only women but also their families and communities.

New Visions has conducted a paper-and-pencil survey, a web survey, and focus groups with members of various Korean groups/organizations. The following presents the findings from paper-and-pencil and web surveys.

Method
The first method to assess community views was through paper-and-pencil and web surveys distributed through organizational newsletters, local churches, and various community-based websites targeting Koreans in southeast Michigan. A total of 195 responses were received.

Who were the 164 people who participated in the survey?

  • 59% female, 41% male
  • 68% married, 27% single
  • 70% bachelor's or graduate degree
  • 73% Protestant, 15% Catholic
  • 50% Have resided in the United States less than 10 years

Respondents were primarily female, married, well-educated, Protestant, and have less than 10 years of residency in the United States.

Here's What Survey Participants Said
Have you or any Korean person you know experienced domestic violence?

  • 23% reponded yes

How many of those survivors have you talked to?

  • Of those who knew someone experiencing domestic violence, 90% responded that they have talked to the survivors.

Where do individuals in your community seek help for domestic violence?

  • 34% friends
  • 26% religious organizations
  • 22% family
  • 20% domestic violence programs
  • 19% police
  • 17% do not seek help

Why might it be difficult for Korean survivors of domestic violence to seek help?

  • 61% family honor
  • 44% effects on children
  • 28% shame
  • 27% financial limitations
  • 19% negative family reaction
  • 15% fear
  • 13% language difficulty

What are the causes of domestic violence?

  • 50% lack of respect for intimate partner
  • 37% family tension
  • 36% financial stress
  • 29% male dominance
  • Other significant causes cited include intimate partner’s affair, issues arising from adjusting to the American society, and having witnessed domestic violence when growing up.

To the following statements, members of Korean community responded:

  • A person is never justified in hitting his/her intimate partner:
    81% strongly agreed
  • A man is the head of the household:
    58% stongly agreed or agreed
  • A person should be arrested if he/she hits his/her intimate partner:
    81% strongly agreed or agreed
  • For the sake of the family, a person should tolerate the abuse:
    85% strongly disagreed or disagreed
  • It is understandable if a person hits his/her intimate partner due to stress at work or financial problems:
    96% strongly disagreed or disagreed
  • It is better for a third party to stay out of a couple’s domestic violence problem:
    80% strongly disagreed or disagreed

Based on the survey of the Korean community, we have found that:

  1. Most Koreans denounce domestic violence, strongly support harsh punishment of abusers, and to a lesser extent, support third-party intervention.
  2. Effects on children and financial limitations are the main deterrents to accessing help.
  3. Most people rely on friends and religious organizations for assistance.