Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
May serves as not just Mental Health Awareness Month, but also as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! During this time, we want to bring special attention to the unique experiences of these diverse communities. A key focus is understanding the specific impacts of domestic violence within these groups. It's important to acknowledge the unique cultural factors, societal pressures, and resources available (or lack thereof) that shape their experiences. We honor their resilience and strength, and strive to support them in overcoming these challenges. Awareness is the first step towards change, and we're committed to shining a light on these issues.
As highlighted by the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, between 21% and 55% of Asian women in the U.S. have faced physical or sexual violence, with about 18% experiencing rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. Despite the concerning rise in domestic violence, there's a growing recognition of the obstacles to seeking support, including cultural norms, patriarchal standards, language barriers, and reluctance to acknowledge LGBTQ+ relationships and the abuse within them.
As noted by the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender Based Violence (APIGBV), a significant portion of Asian women in the U.S., ranging from 21% to 55%, have encountered physical or sexual violence. Specifically, about 18% have endured rape, physical violence, or stalking from an intimate partner. Despite the alarming increase in domestic violence, there's a growing acknowledgment of the challenges hindering access to support services. These hurdles include cultural norms, patriarchal standards, language barriers, and hesitancy to address LGBTQ+ relationships and related abuse.
The Hawai’i State Department of Health reveals that 12.6% of Native Hawaiians, both male and female, have reported experiencing physical harm from a current or former intimate partner. During the 18th Annual National Count of Domestic Violence Services in September 6th, 2023, Hawai’i provided assistance to 581 domestic violence victims, offering emergency shelter, accommodation, housing, transportation, advocacy, legal support, therapy, and more. One advocate highlighted the critical shortage of staff faced by shelters, particularly those serving the predominantly Native Hawaiian population, due in part to the ongoing housing crisis in the area.
According to APIGBV’s report on Domestic Violence in Asian & Pacific Islander homes, Samoan women face domestic violence at a significant rate, with 46.4% of ever-partnered women reporting some form of abuse. This includes 37.6% reporting physical abuse, 18.6% emotional abuse, and 19.6% sexual abuse. Additionally, Indian and Pakistani women who were born in or immigrated to the U.S. before adolescence (1.5+ generations) are more likely to experience all three forms of intimate partner violence—physical violence, sexual assault, and stalking—compared to those who immigrated post-adolescence (first generation). According to a web-based survey, 30.5% of South Asian women reported experiencing some form of physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner since the age of 18.
As emphasized through the data here, BIPOC women experience higher rates of domestic violence compared to white people. It is more important than ever to continue to shed light on the impacts domestic violence has in communities of color and provide culturally competent and responsive services to those in need. Our commitment to social justice, anti-racism and transformational care remains central to our work.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact our First Call line at 612-874-7064 x232.
