South Asian Community Assessment

There are about 55,000 South Asians (from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) in southeast Michigan. It is estimated that about one in four South Asian women in the United States experiences domestic violence. The issue of domestic violence has not been sufficiently addressed in the South Asian community, and because of that very few programs are currently available to ensure the safety and well-being of South Asian families in the United States, particularly in southeast Michigan.

To assess community attitudes, New Visions conducted paper-and-pencil and web surveys and interviews with members of South Asian groups/organizations. The following represents the findings of the paper-and-pencil and web surveys.

Method
New Visions assessed community views by paper-and-pencil and web surveys distributed among South Asian community organizations and groups in Southeast Michigan. A total of 291 responses were received.

Who were the 291 people who participated in the survey?

  • 77% under age 35
  • 52% females, 48% males
  • 42% married, 54% single
  • 76% bachelor's or graduate degree
  • 52% Hindus, 30% Muslims
  • 18% Jain, Sikh, Christian, and other

Participants were primarily young, single, well-educated, Hindu, and female.

Here's What Survey Participants Said

Does domestic violence occur in your South Asian community?

  • 64% said that domestic violence does occur in their community.
  • 54% said that they or some other South Asian they know has experienced domestic violence.

Who perpetrated violence?

  • 77% husband/partner/boyfriend

Of those who know a domestic violence survivor, the majority (71%) said that they had spoken with the survivor(s). Those who had not explained their reason for not doing so as:

  • It's taboo to speak about it.
  • They didn't feel comfortable because they didn't know the survivor well enough.
  • Because they did not consider it their business to get involved "in someone else's personal matters."

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

  • 67% friends
  • 62% family
  • 30% do not seek help
  • 29% police
  • 22% religious organizations
  • 17% domestic violence programs

What barriers do South Asian survivors of domestic violence face when seeking help?

  • 66% shame
  • 61% fear
  • 60% family honor
  • 46% family reaction
  • 42% effects on children
  • 33% financial limitations
  • 34% lack of legal knowledge

What are the causes of domestic violence?

  • 70% cited male dominance
  • Other significant reasons cited include lack of respect for partner/spouse, family tension, financial stress, and having witnessed domestic violence when growing up.

What assistance do South Asians experiencing domestic violence need?

  • "I think a survivor network is needed along with a discreet anonymous helpline."
  • "More culturally specific help and counseling."
  • "I think one of key aspects in battling domestic violence is education about this issue. And the removal of stereotypes and preconceived notions is best done through education, I believe."
  • "Targeted public message campaigns on ethnic radio, TV, ethnic papers, and partnership with religious/cultural organizations and leadership to spread the word."
  • "To be able to talk to someone who speaks their language, and understand where they are coming from in their belief system."

Who should provide this assistance?

  • "Assistance must come from within the community. It must come with grassroots efforts by community workers, leaders: both political and religious."
  • "The religious community is a good place to start as houses of worship are frequented often enough to feel comfortable going there to look for help."
  • "If I was faced with a difficult situation, I'd never go to an Indian association. Our community is VERY tightly knit and no matter what they say about anonymity, I'm sure someone somewhere will gossip about it."
  • "Definitely people of South Asian descent…most will not be able to relate to those not of South Asian descent and people will feel comfortable revealing that part of their lives."

Based on the South Asian community survey, we have found that:

  1. Domestic violence is prevalent in South Asian communities.
  2. Shame and fear are the main deterrents to accessing help.
  3. Most South Asian people rely on family and friends for assistance.