Resilience among immigrant women who experience intimate partner violence: Service providers’ perspectives

Abstract

Resilience is a vital factor in the well-being of immigrant and refugee women (IRW) who experience intimate partner violence (IPV). Given the growing immigrant populations in the United States (U.S.) and pivotal role of resilience in rebuilding, healing, and breaking the cycle of violence, this paper explores the definitions, sources, barriers, and pathways of resilience among IRW from the perspective of domestic violence service providers. Using a socio-ecological framework, qualitative data for this study were collected with (n = 19) service providers in a Midwestern state. Data analysis followed the Rapid and Rigorous Qualitative Data Analysis (RADaR) technique and thematic analysis with an interactive team approach. Findings reveal the multifaceted nature of resilience, strategies to navigate adversity, and critical role of children, service providers, and financial autonomy in fostering and shaping resilience among IRW. These findings have significant implications for policy and practice emphasizing the need for trauma-informed, culturally responsive interventions that strengthen resilience and improve access to critical support systems for IRW experiencing IPV.