Intimate Partner Violence Experiences of Middle Eastern Immigrant Women Living in Ottawa During the Perinatal Period

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) during the perinatal period is a significant problem for Middle Eastern immigrant women (MEIW) and requires comprehensive and culturally responsive interventions that address the underlying risk factors. Several risk factors (e.g., cultural norms, the perinatal period and language barriers) contribute to increasing women's vulnerability to IPV. Additionally, MEIW face multiple forces of oppression such as racism which are further intersected by factors associated with their immigrant status, creating a unique IPV experience that calls for a systematic investigation. However, there is limited research in this area, a critical gap in knowledge and practice which this study addresses. This study explored the experiences of IPV among MEIW living in Ottawa during the perinatal period.

Theoretical Framework: This study was guided by the Intersectionality lens and the Socio-Ecological Model to explore the intersections of gender and other factors as well as the multiple layers of issues associated with IPV.

Methodology: The study has two phases: phase 1, a scoping review of studies examining IPV within the context of MEIW during the perinatal period, and phase 2, an instrumental case study guided by Stake's (1995) approach to qualitative case study research. As part of Phase 2, research ethics approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Board prior to participant recruitment. Following approval, MEIW during the perinatal period were recruited using convenience and purposeful sampling techniques. Data collection involved in-depth individual interviews with 20 participants and one focus group discussion. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically as described by Braun and Clarke (2006). The FGD served as member-checking to establish the credibility of the data.

Results: Findings reveal that IPV among MEIW is not just an individual experience, but a socially embedded phenomenon influenced by patriarchal norms and systemic inequities. Five major themes were identified, 1. Defining IPV, 2. Forms of IPV, 3. IPV impact, 4. IPV vulnerabilities and help seeking behaviours, and 5. IPV coping strategies.

Discussion and Implications: It synthesizes four overarching themes, underscoring the need for culturally responsive interventions that more effectively support MEIW experiencing IPV.

Conclusion: This study deepens our understanding of IPV during the perinatal period for MEIW, providing insight into how cultural and systemic factors influence their experiences. The findings call for culturally responsive interventions and policies that consider the complex realities of IPV in Middle Eastern immigrant communities.