Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #108052

Anita Raj, PhD¹, Kai N. Livramento¹, M. Christina Santana, MPH², Jhumka Gupta, MPH³, and Jay G. Silverman, PhD⁴. (1) Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, T2W, Boston, MA 02118, 617-638-6467, anitaraj@bu.edu, (2) Social and Behavioral Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Talbot Building, W264, Boston, MA 02118, (3) Society, Human Development and Health, Harvard University School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, (4) Department for Society, Human Development and Health/Division of Public Health Practice, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, 7th floor, Boston, MA 02115

Objectives: 1. To assess quantitatively the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and emotional abuse by in-laws among married South Asian women 2. To identify via in-depth interviews with battered South Asian women the experiences and forms of abuse perpetrated against them by their in-laws.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of IPV and related health issues was conducted with 169 married South Asian women residing in Boston. Simple logistic regression analysis and a 95% confidence interval was used to assess the relationship between IPV and abuse by in-laws. In-depth interviews on IPV and help-seeking were conducted with 23 South Asian women currently or previously involved in an abusive relationship. Qualitative data were analyzed via a grounded theory approach, and quotes illustrating major themes were identified.

Results: Findings from survey participants demonstrate a significant relationship between IPV and abuse from in-laws (OR=5.7, 95%CI= 1.5-21.5), with abuse from in-laws reported by 15.4% of abused women but only 3.1% of women with no IPV history. Qualitative data from battered women demonstrate that abuse by in-laws included varied forms of emotional abuse (e.g., isolation, social and economic control, verbal abuse and dowry complaints, and domestic servitude), as well as awareness/support of IPV and direct physical abuse.

Conclusion: While in-law abuse is not highly prevalent among South Asian women in the US, there is an increased likelihood of its occurrence within the context of relationships characterized by male-perpetrated IPV. IPV prevention efforts with this population must consider the role of in-laws in victims' lives.

Learning Objectives:

• To explain the forms of abuse perpetrated against South Asian women by in-laws
• To identify how abuse by in-laws is associated with intimate partner violence against South Asian women

Keywords: Asian Women, Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation