Challenges Faced by Immigrant and Refugee Women Who Experience Abuse

Issues abused immigrant and refugee women deal with include:

• Fear of jeopardizing Canadian status


• Lack of information about Canadian laws and their rights as women


• Fear of losing their children for good


• Fear of being ostracized from their community


• Fear and distrust of police


• Lack of professional support from home community


• Fear of vulnerability without male protection


• Experiences of prejudice, discrimination, or racism when they have interacted with various institutions


• Lack of English language skills


• Isolation from others


• Fear of bringing shame to family


• Lack of knowledge about or experience with social service agencies


• Lack of availability of culturally appropriate services


• Difficulties living within a shelter environment.  For example:
  
  
  
  • Racial issues
  
  
  • Food issues
  
  
  • Differences about what is socially accepted behaviour
  
  
  • Child care/parenting issues
  
  
  • Feels like another prison or refugee camp


• In many cases, low economic status.