Family Harmony Project

Improving family violence services

Women from the Somali and Eritrean background are often reluctant to speak openly about family violence. Women's Health West conducted a research project with women from Somali and Muslim Eritrean backgrounds to look at how our family violence services could more effectively meet their needs. The first issue was the title of the report and the participating women suggested that it would be more culturally appropriate to focus on positive outcomes, hence the project's name - Family Harmony.

Women's Health West conducted interviews and focus groups with community women, ethno-specific and non-African health and community workers. Some of the reasons for under-reporting that emerged from these discussions include: language barriers; the attitude that family violence is a family or community matter; fear of authorities (especially for women on spousal visas); and a traumatic experience involving police or military in their country of origin.

Data from the interviews has been analysed and the research report is now ready for dissemination.

Some of the findings

Members of the Somali and Muslim Eritrean communities have a strong commitment to cultural and familial 'honour'. As a result of these beliefs, experiences or issues that create 'shame' are experienced as deeply problematic. When violence occurs within families women may feel the need to 'save face' which may lead to family violence being hidden within the family and/or community.

When a woman chooses to report her experiences of violence and seek support she risks isolation and being shunned by members of her extended family and community. As one woman said, "Some women will put up with the violence rather than lose face in the community or make their family lose face in the community".

There are also strong cultural prohibitions against Somali and Muslim Eritrean women speaking about personal problems to people outside their family and social support systems.

In addition, many women have had limited opportunities to learn English as a second language and it can be extremely difficult for women to report their experiences of violence without using an interpreter. The need for an interpreter raises a number of other issues including that of confidentiality.

In summary there are a number of culturally specific deterrents to Somali and Muslim Eritrean women who are victims of violence seeking assistance. Based on the research findings, Women's Health West will now look at a range of health promotion and professional education activities to overcome these barriers. These activities will be designed to assist Somali and Eritrean women who are victims of violence and/or assist non-African workers who work with African women.

Download a copy of the Family Harmony Research Report.