Seeking Help in Domestic Violence Among Muslim Women in Muslim-Majority and Non-Muslim-Majority Countries: A Literature Review

Abstract

Although the researchers tried to investigate various barriers in seeking help, many of them have not focused on structural obstacles. Besides, in many Muslim-majority countries, the issue has not been explored. Therefore, the results of the current article will not apply to those countries. Recommendation for future research comprises more qualitative research compatible with the women's cultures and backgrounds in different societies, focusing more on structural and cultural factors to explore and find women's barriers to seek help.

“They Will Keep Seeing Young Women Murdered by Men. Enough Is Enough-We Have Seen too Many Women Lose Their Lives”. Lessons for Professionals Working with Victims of ‘Honour’ Abuse and Violence

“…In particular, familial dynamics have been blamed for chronic underreporting by victims (Rafferty 2013). In a systematic review of 21 studies on domestic violence, women from communities in which family abuse is normalised were less likely to seek help, as were women with stronger patriarchal or conservative beliefs (Afrouz et al 2018). Women may also be reluctant to seek formal help to protect their partner, preserve their relationship (Fugate et al 2005), and to protect the family's honour and reputation (Afrouz et al 2018).…”

“…In a systematic review of 21 studies on domestic violence, women from communities in which family abuse is normalised were less likely to seek help, as were women with stronger patriarchal or conservative beliefs (Afrouz et al 2018). Women may also be reluctant to seek formal help to protect their partner, preserve their relationship (Fugate et al 2005), and to protect the family's honour and reputation (Afrouz et al 2018). Indeed, a national household study in Pakistan found that out of 7897 women who had been physically abused, only 111 disclosed this to someone outside of their family (Andersson et al 2010).…”

“…Lack of awareness of external support is also a barrier to formal help-seeking (Afrouz et al 2018). Knowledge about financial and housing support is particularly salient as dependency is a significant barrier for help-seeking (Afrouz et al 2018;dos Ventos Lopes Heimer 2019;Fugate et al 2005;Raj and Silverman 2007). The belief that formal help is neither needed nor useful is another reason for domestic abuse victims not attempting to access services (Fugate et al 2005).…”

Enquêter sur la violence conjugale au Maroc : les défis d’un féminisme intersectionnel du positionnement

“…. Ceci dit, les hommes ne contrôlent pas seulement les femmes pour protéger leur honneur, mais aussi parce qu'elles représentent plus largement l'honneur de la famille et de la communauté (Afrouz, Crisp, & Taket, 2018). Ce faisant, comme le souligne Bourdieu (1998Bourdieu ( /2002, la virilité portée par cette violence masculine ne se définit pas d'abord face à la femme, mais contre la femme et face aux autres hommes puisque ce sont eux qui l'accordent, la valident ou la retirent, en dernière instance.…”

“…Le recours à certains passages du Coran afin de justifier la violence conjugale est désormais bien documenté (notamment par Afrouz et al, 2018;Ammar, 2007;Ghafournia, 2017). De telles lectures posent un défi interprétatif fondamental pour toute chercheure féministe qui se veut simultanément respectueuse de la parole des enquêtées et en quête de leur libération.…”