Category Archives: Domestic Violence

For info on Domestic Violence in various languages go to: http://www.hotpeachpages.net/lang/index.html

Refugee families are under a great deal of stress. Economic and acculturation stress may create tension in a family. The changing role of wife and children in the family may also cause family distress. As a result of these and other factors, physical violence, corporal punishment, verbal aggression and interpersonal control may occur. Although such behaviors may be considered a private matter, or even acceptable in other cultures, such behaviors are illegal in U.S. culture.

Family violence can be very dangerous. Many people, refugee and American citizens, die each year from domestic violence (which includes spousal abuse and child abuse.). It is important that we not minimize or ignore this problem because it is uncomfortable for us. It is crucial that we discuss a safety plan with the victim of violence. For information on how to make a safety plan click on this link: Safety plan

If you think that there is violence occurring in a refugee family, it is important that you do the following:

1. Provide the family with information:

a. Physical assault of a family member and threats of assault are illegal. In Hennepin county, law enforcement officers are required to make an arrest if there is evidence of violence. Law enforcement response in other counties may differ.

b. There are education and treatment programs that can help a family stop using violence. Such resources are listed in these pages. An advocate from any community domestic violence programs can help victim and abuser find treatment and education.

2. Provide the victim with choices about what to do: Refugees may be particularly reluctant to take any action that would further upset the abuser or put the victim or family at risk of homelessness, increased poverty, and/or loss of community. In U.S. culture, each individual has the right to choose what to do. It is crucial that we offer service and resources to victims of domestic abuse.

3. Ask the victim if there are any community leaders, extended family members, elders, religious leaders or other community members who could assist with help and counsel. In close refugee communities there may be community leaders who can help. If the refugee does not want to reveal this information to community members then they should be assured that they can talk with an advocate or a counselor who is familiar with their culture, but not a member of their culture. For more information on family safety see below:

Domestic Violence (An Introduction)
Domestic Violence Hurts the Whole Family: Arabic, Bosnian, Russian, English, Somali, Spanish

Child Abuse
Metro Minnesota Resources, including shelters

What is battering/spouse or partner abuse ?

Battering is more than physical violence. It is a pattern of behaviors that gets worse over time. These behaviors are used to gain and maintain power and control over another person. In addition to the use of physical violence, battering involves isolation, intimidation, emotional abuse and more.

You may be in a battering relationship if you:

have ever been threatened, hit, kicked, shoved, or had things thrown at you by your partner.
need your partner’s permission before buying food or clothing, writing checks or making other daily decisions.
often go along with plans you don’t like because you’re afraid of your partner’s anger.
are often accused by your partner of things you’ve never done.
make choices about activities and friends according to how your partner will react.
feel you have no choice about what you wear, what you say, who you spend time with or where you go.

What should I do if I know someone who is in a battering relationship?

Listen to her and believe her.
Help her get medical attention if she needs it.
Let her know she is not alone and that she does not deserve to be battered.
Let her make her own decisions. Only she knows what’s best for herself.
Let her know she has options and encourage her to call for help from any of the services listed here