Culture has a role in domestic violence
What is your definition of culture? Is it the food you eat, clothes you wear, values you uphold, religion you believe, or a combination of many characteristics?
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines culture as a set of shared attitudes, values, goals and practices that characterizes an institution or organization. This definition can be applied to any group of people in a city, town, county or state. In some communities, “culture” is used to explain and justify violence against women, specifically intimate partner violence (www.apiahf.org).
When culture is used to defend intimate partner violence, it becomes destructive. For example, some people use a cultural defense that states that “people in my culture behave this way and believe women should be treated this way, so it is all right for me to do so."
Like all women, immigrant women are at high risk for intimate partner violence, but due to their immigration status and native culture, they may face a more difficult time escaping or reporting abuse. Cultural defensiveness perpetuates violence against women and condones intimate partner abuse. Therefore, an immigrant woman from such a culture may not even realize that she is in an abusive relationship. According to the Family Violence Prevention Fund, 48 percent of Latinas in one study reported that their partner’s violence against them had increased since they immigrated to the United States.
Furthermore, abusers often use their partner’s immigration status as a tool of control. In such situations, it is common for a batterer to exert control over his partner’s immigration status in order to force her to remain in the relationship (www.endabuse.org). Culture is beautiful. It is what makes you and me different, yet similar.
Unfortunately, when culture is used to defend intimate partner violence, it becomes destructive.
This is why education and awareness about abusive relationships is particularly important among immigrant women. Immigrant or not, all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
If you or a friend is in an abusive relationship, seek help by contacting one of the following:
Collin College Counseling Services, e-mail: personalcounseling@ccccd.edu or call 972.881.5126
Hope’s Door 24-hour crisis line at 972.422.7233
National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE.
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