Iranian immigrant women’s experiences of domestic violence: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Karamali, Nahid

Abstract

Domestic violence is a major social health problem. Intimate partner violence is one of the most common forms of violence against women worldwide. Domestic violence against groups of immigrant women in heterosexual relationships has been explored; however, there is limited research about female Iranian immigrant survivors of domestic violence or their experiences of counselling services in the UK. This qualitative study was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of Iranian immigrant women’s experiences of domestic violence within their heterosexual relationships. These women’s perceptions, as well as their experiences of counselling and support services in the UK, were explored. A purposeful sample of six Iranian immigrant women was selected and data was gathered via semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Five themes were extracted from the data: You can be abused in different ways; Impact of violence on women: hopeless and helpless; Impact of domestic violence on women’s relationships: judged and guilty; the Cultural experience of being a female victim of domestic violence; and Using the legal system and counselling services before and after immigration. It was found that the women experienced physical, psychological, emotional, sexual and financial violence. They detailed a growing sense of confidence in their ability to make important life decisions as well as a change in their perspectives on gender roles. Participants also perceived stigma around counselling due to their culture. Therapy was helpful on some levels, but deeply unhelpful on others, as participants felt they were being blamed or pathologised for cultural reasons. Group therapy was found to be more helpful as it was based on psychoeducation and exploring healthy relationships, which made participants feel believed and accepted. Participants recommended group therapy with appropriate Iranian cultural knowledge as potentially helpful for this population of women.

Citation

Karamali, N. Iranian immigrant women’s experiences of domestic violence: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. (Thesis). University of the West of England. Retrieved from https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6689202

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 15, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 7, 2021
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6689202
• Award Date: Apr 7, 2021