Risk Factors and Interventions for Domestic Violence among Asian Americans.

This paper discusses domestic violence, examining its epidemiology for the general population and for two Asian American groups. It reviews data from 10 empirical studies on domestic violence among Asian American women. Qualitative studies stress the impact of family ties, family honor, and shame; religious values; fear of the legal system; and racism and minority status. Quantitative studies show that wife abuse relates to length of residency, acculturation level, status inconsistency, traditionalism, rigid adherence to sex role performance, partner's alcohol use, and lack of social contact. Research indicates that Asian American women are unable to leave abusive situations. The 1994 Violence Against Women Act helps undocumented battered women petition for their own permanent resident status. Evidence shows that mental health services are underutilized for domestic violence issues among Asian American women, and it notes the need for culturally sensitive interventions, outreach, and treatments for battered Asian American women. The paper reviews research on interventions, including battered women's shelters, crisis hotlines, support groups, and legal advocacy, as well as more focused clinical treatments (unilateral, bilateral, and dyadic). It examines advantages and disadvantages of family systems interventions for domestic violence, noting the paucity of research in this area. (Contains 32 references.) (SM)