Conceptualizing Partner Abuse Among South Asian Women in Hong Kong

Purpose: This qualitative study was conducted with 14 South Asian women in Hong Kong to explore their perception and experiences of domestic violence by an intimate partner. Design: All interviews were transcribed and then coded based on the process of coding suggested by Strauss and Corbin, including both open and axial coding. Results: Data analysis resulted in two main core categories, "Women's perception of domestic violence" and "Cultural factors that influence their help-seeking behavior," denoting that the context in which domestic violence is experienced influences women's perception and understanding of domestic violence. Participants also drew on the discourse of culture to explain its role in their experiences of domestic violence. Conclusion: Domestic violence is a concern among this group of South Asian women. Culturally appropriate domestic violence services and public education on domestic violence are needed for this community.