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Domestic violence in intimate relationships exists as a social problem across all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Immigrant and refugee women represent a population at great risk for domestic violence victimization; they also face challenging barriers when attempting to obtain services from community professionals. As the demographics of North Carolina become increasingly diverse, community organizations can expect more immigrant and refugee clients seeking services.
Domestic violence in immigrant and refugee families involves the same dynamics as non-minority families. In all domestic violence relationships assaultive behaviors are rooted in the abuser’s desire to maintain power and control over their partner. During the initial meeting with a client, Victim Services staff reviews handouts that explain and diagram domestic violence in immigrant and refugee families. The chart is in the shape of a wheel with power and control symbolized as the hub. Abusive behaviors such as physical violence, sexual violence, threats, coercion, and stalking are illustrated as tactics to maintain power and control.
In immigrant and refugee families abusers may use specific threats that are especially terrifying to their partners. Some examples are: threats to deport the victim, threats to abandon the victim and/or children in an unfamiliar country and culture, forbidding the victim to learn English, and threats to kidnap the children who may be U.S. citizens. Immigrant and refugee women fear ostracism in their community if they take formal action against their abuser, and may believe that if prosecuted her abuser will be deported to their native country and killed.
Additional risk factors for immigrant and refugee families experiencing domestic violence are the probability that they have witnessed violence or atrocities in their native countries. For example, Rwandan families immigrating to the U.S. may have witnessed machete massacres during their country’s civil war. Many Vietnamese immigrants recall the horrors of the Vietnam War, and Cambodian refugees may have witnessed the mass genocide perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge. Family members may have spent many years in "re-education" or refugee camps, enduring further violence. It is common for family members to have been separated in refugee camps or abandoned during the move to the United States. These examples give some insight into the significant trauma many immigrant and refugee families endured before coming to the United States. These experiences typically lead to the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in this population. The presence of PTSD in immigrant and refugee families exacerbates domestic violence, making situations even more dangerous.
Barriers for immigrant and refugee families are numerous and require sensitivity from the different community agencies that assist domestic violence victims. One barrier involves cultural perceptions of the police and their role in U.S. society. In many countries the police are equivalent to the military, a group that often perpetrate large-scale violence. Given this perception, domestic violence victims might be even more reluctant to involve law enforcement. In addition, language and communication differences represent a significant barrier faced by professionals. Knowledge and appreciation for cultural nuances in both verbal and non-verbal communication (i.e. eye contact, seating arrangements, speech tone, etc.) are important in providing competent services to immigrant and refugee clients. Professionals working with the immigrant and refugee population should also prepare themselves for the increased advocacy that families will need to navigate the largely intolerant U.S. legal system.
Some resources available to domestic violence victims exist through the INS and federal legislation. In 1994 Congress enacted the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that addressed domestic violence in immigrant and refugee families. The two major avenues open through VAWA include the right to petition for a visa without her husband’s sponsorship and the right to seek Cancellation of Removal Proceedings if she faces deportation. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) recognizes domestic violence as a mitigating factor in deportations under the policy entitled, "INS Definition of Battery or Extreme Cruelty". This policy affords domestic violence victims limited resources when facing deportation or investigation by the INS. Service providers who work with immigrant and refugee women need to remain updated on changing legislation and available referrals to assist clients in creating safety in their lives. Often helping immigrant and refugee families requires extra effort and follow-through to assure those clients are receiving culturally sensitive, competent and comprehensive services. Immigrant and refugee people, like all victims of violence, deserve safety and the same quality of life as all other citizens. 
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