Domestic Violence Series: Domestic Violence Among Immigrants

Domestic violence is not just isolated to one country. It is, unfortunately, a global problem. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. The majority of this violence is from intimate partners – almost a third of women who have been in a relationship have reported that they experienced some form of abuse by their intimate partner in their lifetime. WHO reports that those who have low education, exposure to violence, and an attitude of accepting violence and gender inequality are more likely to be in an abusive relationship.

Domestic violence in immigrants is, unfortunately, an increasingly alarming situation. When an immigrant comes to this country, it can be one of several reasons – work purposes, escaping from war and violence, or for educational purposes. But it can be hard to escape from a domestic abuse situation. According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, immigrant women are vulnerable to domestic violence and could feel trapped because of the law, language barriers, lack of financial resources, and social isolation.

It’s difficult to get proper statistics about domestic violence in immigrants because many don’t press charges. They fear retribution or possible deportation, especially if they are in the country illegally. But here are a few eye-opening statistics from Futures Without Violence:

• According to a recent study, 51 percent of intimate partner homicide victims in New York City were foreign-born.
• Married immigrant women experience higher levels of physical and sexual abuse compared to unmarried immigrant women (59.5 percent vs. 49.8 percent).
• Many of immigrant women who suffer abuse because they may be from a country that accepts this type of behavior or because they have less access to legal services than U.S. citizens.
• Many of these women do not have places to go – they just don’t have access to bilingual shelters, financial assistance, or even food.

At the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we have helped many immigrants escape the cycle of abuse. We understand how difficult it can be to find safety from your abuser in a country that is so new and confusing. We give them a voice in the courtroom and help them obtain a restraining order against their abuser. We can guide them to the help they need in order to be free.

If you are an immigrant, legal or illegal, who is need of legal advice in New Jersey, let us help. Contact Jersey City domestic violence attorney Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.