Nursing Publications
Title
Perceptions of Factors Contributing to Intimate Partner Violence Among Sri Lankan Tamil Immigrant Women in Canada
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2011
Journal
Health Care for Women International
Volume
32
Issue
9
First Page
779
Last Page
794
URL with Digital Object Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2011.569220
Abstract
In this article we explore Sri Lankan Tamil immigrant women's views on factors contributing to intimate partner violence (IPV). We conducted eight focus groups with young, midlife, and senior women and women who experienced IPV. Three main themes emerged: postmigration sources of stress and conflict, patriarchal social norms that dictated gendered behavior, and individual male attributes and behaviors. Study participants recognized gender inequality and financial dependence as contributing factors and the role of women in promoting marital harmony. Findings suggest that pre- and postmigration factors need to be considered in the prevention of IPV in newcomer communities.
