Domestic Violence Among Immigrant Women in the United States
...eported that abuse began with immigration. In a survey of immigrant women conducted by Ayuda, 62% of the respondents reported that they were subjected to weekly physical or emotional abuse. One-fifth of the respondents reported that their spouses use threats of deportation, of not filing immigration papers, or of withdrawing these papers as a power and control tactic in abusive relationships. In specifics, forty-eight percent of Latinas in one study reported that their partner’s violence against them had increased since the immigrated to the United States. A survey of Korean women found that 60 percent had been battered by their husbands. Statistics associated with immigration and abuse of immigrant women in their homes gives the implication of the increased likelihood for domestic violence upon immigration to the United States. They also remain in abusive situations because of manipulation by the spouse in several ways. Husbands most often misinform immigrant women about their rights in abusive relationships. Immigrant women many times are not aware that violence is against the law in the United States. Even though many immigrant women living in New York City may have illegal status, it is the policy of the New York City Police Department not to inquire about the immigration status of crime victims, witness’, or others who call or approach the police seeking help. Their perceptions of the law are distorted by the treatment of women and laws associated with violence in their countries of origin. Many countries permit women to be beaten by their husbands because it is acceptable to their religion or culture. If the law permits violence in another country, women believe that it is okay in our country. As a result, women will not seek help from the authorities. What they don’t realize is that, regardless of culture, background, or heritage, any type of violence towards a spouse is wrong and is punishable by law in New York State as well as the rest of the United States. Children are also used to the advantage of the husband to keep his wife from taking action and from attempting to escape the relationship. Abusers will threaten to harm or abduct the children and bring them to a foreign country where she will not be able to contact them. Children may also be used in acts of abuse towards their mother by forcing participation in beatings and subjecting them to watch as well. The immigration status of the woman may be brought up in custody cases, putting the woman in fear of loosing her children. Also the mother and children are put under strict rules and regulations that are made up by the husband regarding when and how often they may leave the house, go to the grocery, or even see the doctor. As emphasized by Orloff and Little, women are told that if they seek help from the police or courts, that he will automatically be given custody of the children. Manipulation is a major component to keeping the woman in a violent household. Immigrant women are led to believe that their religion and cultural values are much more important than suffering through a violent relationship. According to the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, social pressures avert immigrant wives from finding help. The assumption is made that family matters should not be discussed with others and most importantly the police should not be involved. If brought into the open, the family is brought to shame and the family’s reputation is tainted. The cultural community and reputation are central to her life rather than her own personal rights that every person should be entitled to. A threat to withdraw financial support is another way to keep the woman in the relationship. It is obvious that if an immigrant woman is living in this country illegally it is virtually impossible for her to find a job that supports both her and her children. Even if she has a legitimate job, the husband may harass her at work so that she is fired from the only job at which she can legally work He may also take all of her earnings from working and won’t allow her to send money home to her family as many immigrants do. The financial stability that most immigrant women lack when first arriving to the United States forces them to stay dependent on their spouses to support them and their children. Individual Cases Immigrant women who have lived through situations of domestic violence find value in sharing their experiences with others. As a result, women who are currently living in an abusive relationship can relate and gain the willpower to seek help for themselves. Moving to a foreign country without any ties to family and friends or people from the same culture can avert the abused from locating facilities that deal with domestic violence issues. In the cases of a victim named Anjana, and a woman from Korea who wishes to remain anonymous, they both sought help from domestic violence prevention organizations; these two specifically from the New York Asian Women’s Center. Of the many organizations I have researched, all provide readings that women have written to describe their own personal experiences, and a brief synopsis of how or whether the remedied their own situations. After moving to New York City from Korea with her husband, Sofia* found herself living in a nightmare. Upon arrival to the U.S., her husband began to become violent with her on an irregular basis. After all was done, he would beg and plead for her forgiveness that she most readily gave in to. Sofia was soon threatened to be blinded by a burning cigarette held close to her eyes, or even to be stabbed by a knife being held to her chest and throat. He even beat her with a baseball bat while she was pregnant with her son. At first the beatings occurred about 3 to 4 times a month and soon turned into 2 to 3 times each week. She was raised in Korea with the virtues that divorce was wrong so she remained with her husband for 8 years enduring this cruelty. Finally when in contact with her family and friends, everyone encouraged her to leave him and scolded her for staying with him after all that time had passed. Though she believed that it was against her values to leave her husband, she needed to bring herself up to speed in knowing that women cannot allow themselves to be subject to violence only because it is a part of their culture. After discovering the New York Asian Women’s Center, she realized that it was best for her and her son to move on for both their health and for her son’s mental well being. She is a good example of how getting involved with active organizations benefits not only the victim, but other victims as well who are in the same position. Anjana, did not have any family residing in New York City which was the same case for Sofia. She arrived in New York in the mid-1990’s with her husband who beat her daily so that she couldn’t enjoy living in America. She, unlike Sofia was well aware that her husband was physically abusive before moving to the United States. She was rescued by the New York Asian Women’s Center and convinced to leave her husband for good. It was by the services of the NYAWC that she learned about all the other women living out there who can share their traumatizing experiences and how they escaped these harsh conditions. Anjana believes that every woman must struggle in her lifetime and that it only makes these women stronger now that she and others have overcome abusive relationships. Help/Services After the battered woman has finally made the decision to leave the abusive relationship for her own well being, the next step is to find support from groups, organizations, friends, and family. There are also many laws that have been passed to protect her from her spouse if he still tries to harm her in any way. Once she understands what her rights are and actions that she may take, it is important to follow through so that she will not have to rely on him anymore. From the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence in New York City, they describe the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that according to the text, allows some battered immigrants to obtain lawful permanent residence without her husband’s cooperation. This Mayor’s Office website may be accessed at http://www.nyc.gov/html/ocdv/html/special_immigrants.html. It provides legal information specific to New York City that applies to domestic violence cases involving immigrant women. In New York City, there are many Immigration Attorneys that can assist in attaining residence. Immigrant Women may be very reluctant to contact help because of language barriers but there are providers who speak many different languages and are knowledgeable on many cultures to suit each issue appropriately. As mentioned previously, police can be contacted at anytime w...