Cultural Issues of women from the BME community experiencing domestic abuse

Ø      Demands that the women keep the family together at any cost.  Sticking with the husband whatever his behaviour

Ø      Fleeing from the violent situation is perceived as an irresponsible act jeopardising the family “izzat” (honour) and shaming the community

Ø      Women carry the guilt of betraying the family culture and tradition “ what will my family say”

Ø      Fear of being ostracised from family and host community

Ø      Societal assumption that BME women have “higher levels of tolerance”

Ø      Women lack knowledge of the mainstream culture and language “How will I survive”

Ø      Women are misinformed or have little or no knowledge of their welfare rights and the support structures “ I know nothing”

Ø      Women lack maturity and parenting skills.  Early marriage deprives them the opportunity of maturity through the process of adolescence while within the extended families in which they live, the mother-in-law usurps the parenting role.

Ø      Inadequate interpreting services at police stations, surgeries, hospitals and social services

Ø      Immigration rules require that a woman stay with her violent husband or face destitution and deportation