A Primer: Gender-Based Violence in the South Asian American Diaspora
Survivors of violence need support and varying levels. But our cultural backgrounds and contexts can shape how we view and experience gender-based violence. This primer provides an overview of gender-based violence in South Asian American communities. It also provides information to aid survivors, including crisis hotlines, mental health, transitional support, and legal resources.
Surveys show that South Asians experience a range of expressions of violence and abuse in the United States. These range across physical, economic, emotional, and sexual violence. In addressing these forms of violence, it is important to consider the causes of the violence as well as what barriers may keep us from seeking help.
Violence in South Asian American communities is rooted in:
- Cultural norms and values
- Patriarchal power dynamics and gender roles
- Historical violence such as colonialism and caste
- Intersectional identities
People may not seek help or leave violent and abusive situations because of:
- Cultural and family pressure to remain silent
- Their immigration or economic status
- Bias and discrimination when reporting
We can support survivors by being present with them and connecting them with helpful resources. We can also work to address gender-based violence within our culture and community. We can break the silence and stigma and advocate for change.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive and often silenced crisis within South Asian American communities. Survivors navigate a web of systemic inequities, cultural stigma, and a profound lack of culturally relevant resources that leave them feeling isolated and unsupported. These barriers run deep, rooted not only in institutions but also in cultural norms around gender roles, family reputation, and societal expectations of success.
SOURCE: South Asian SOAR
