For many South Asian women, the Western model of intervention does not work. They often come from backgrounds very different than what is standard for the U.S. Ideas of family, authority, independence, and disclosure can be very different. Because of these differences, these women have a variety of cultural, personal, and institutional barriers that must be overcome.
History of South Asian Domestic Violence Organizations
It is estimated that thirty one percent of American women are victims of domestic violence at some point during their life. Though documentation is limited, according to Bureau of Justice statistics, race is not a risk factor for domestic violence. And in fact, advocates working with South Asian women in the US report a comparable rate of domestic violence among this immigrant population. While it may be difficult for any woman to leave an abusive partner, this immigrant group faces cultural and institutional barriers as well. As the South Asian community became aware of this problem during the 1980's, South Asian women formed organizations to provide culturally sensitive services to battered women. For more information about the history of these organizations, please read "Seeking a Voice: South Asian Women's Groups in North America" by Jyotsna Vaid. This article can be found in Making Waves: An Anthology of Writings By and About Women, Ed. Asian Women United of California. Boston: Beacon Press, 1989.
SAWNET, South Asian Women's Network, is a forum for those who are interested in South Asian women's issues. It features a listing of South Asian women's organizations, and domestic violence organizations, a listing of charities and political organizations, and much more.