Abstract
Enhancing access and support: Exploring service gaps for South Asian immigrant survivors of intimate partner violence through the perspective of service providers
Sophia Bullian1, SeungJu Lee2, Sakshi Wagh3, Samridhi Bhardwaj4, Asmitha Darapaneni5, Manisha Joshi, PhD, M.S. in Public Health, MSW5 and Subadra Panchanadeswaran, PhD , M. Phil., MSW6
(1)Tampa, FL, (2)Centereach, NY, (3)University of South Florida, Judy Genshaft Honors College, Tampa, FL, (4)Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada, (5)University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, (6)Adelphi Univeristy, Garden City, NY
APHA 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo
Purpose: South Asian immigrant survivors of intimate partner violence (SAISIPV) face unique challenges, including cultural stigma, immigration-related vulnerabilities, and financial dependence, which impede help-seeking. Despite the critical role of service providers in offering support, their perspectives remain underexplored. This study examined service providers’ experiences to identify barriers SAISIPV face and to improve culturally responsive, accessible, and effective IPV support services for this underserved group.
Methods: Using a phenomenological approach, ten in-depth interviews were conducted with human service professionals from mainstream and South Asian nonprofit organizations in Florida and Texas. ATLAS.ti software was used for data analysis.
Findings: Service providers from both mainstream and South Asian-focused organizations reported that SAISIPV face multiple barriers to help-seeking, including immigration challenges, financial vulnerability, cultural stigma, and limited access to legal and housing support. Survivors often delay accessing formal services, relying instead on informal networks that may discourage leaving abusive relationships. Mainstream providers emphasized systemic barriers such as legal and financial challenges, while South Asian-focused providers highlighted cultural stigma, familial expectations, and the role of informal community networks in survivors’ decision-making. Both groups stressed the need for multilingual services, culturally competent shelters, and affordable legal aid. Recommendations included expanding outreach to SAISIPV, increasing staff diversity, and improving services such as legal support, daycare assistance, and a 24/7 hotline.
Conclusion: Culturally responsive services for SAISIPV are urgently needed. Enhancing accessibility requires multilingual services, legal aid, and culturally competent shelters. Collaboration between mainstream and South Asian-focused organizations is essential to bridging service gaps and strengthening survivor-centered support.
Diversity and culture Other professions or practice related to public health Social and behavioral sciences