While domestic violence is recognized as a global public health challenge, little is known about the extent of domestic violence in immigrant, refugee families residing in the United States. Legally defined domestic violence in the U.S. may be culturally sanctioned behavior in the countries of refugee origin. However, immigrant refugees living in this country are subject to U.S. federal and state legal sanctions regarding domestic violence. Refugee families are a vulnerable population and their needs are multiple and complex. Sudanese refugees living in Omaha, Nebraska, approximately 1500 people, fled their country's civil war and the U.S. is a country of second asylum. Omaha area health and social work professionals, church authorities, and police are aware of domestic violence, particularly targeted at women, within the community. Our research and intervention project is multifocal: describe Sudanese family life, both traditional and as refugees, through key informants; educate Sudanese women and men to inform their community about federal and state laws pertaining to domestic behaviors; and engage the Sudanese and professional communities in a reciprocal dialogue about strategies to strengthen families and the shared community.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will: 1. Recognize domestic violence as a global public health challenge 2. List five reasons why refugees are at increased risk for domestic violence 3. Identify traditional family lifestyles as described by Sudanese refugee women and men 4. Discuss stressors described by Sudanese refugees and how they contribute to domestic violence 5. Describe key interventions Sudanese refugee women and men identify as needed to support their family integrity
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Refugees
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.