Mary Young-Aragbaiye

Back to MSc Alumni

Country: Nigeria
Background: BSc Microbiology
Research Project: Access to support services after domestic violence: An exploration of African women’s experiences in Dublin, Ireland
 
BACKGROUND: Domestic violence is rampant within the African community in Ireland. Anecdotal evidence
reveals that the home is the most violent social setting; spousal or partner abuse is an all too
common occurrence among this population. In 2004, African human rights organisations based
in Dublin became aware that increasing numbers of African women were seeking to access help,
care, advice and accommodation services following domestic violence and sexual abuse.  They
commissioned research in this area, which resulted in the publication of a report by AkiDwa in
2006 entitled “Domestic violence against African women”. This report estimated that during an
average day, between forty-five and ninety women sought support from services for help against
violence and abuse.
 
METHODOLOGY:  Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the views and experiences of
African women living in Dublin following domestic violence. Purposive sampling methods were
used to recruit a sample of 15 African women seeking support services from a human rights
organisation called AkiDwa. The study sample included women who were 18years of age and
older. The interview was audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were subjected to
thematic analysis.
 
RESULTS: This study involved fifteen women (15) from a wide range of African countries. Findings of this
study indicated that African immigrant women face multiple challenges when settling in a
foreign country including: language barriers, poor communication skills, isolation from contact
with family/community, lack of social networks, lack of information, lack of access to jobs, and
difficulty in securing employment. These challenges along with social and cultural factors
predispose African immigrant women to domestic violence. In addition, gender inequality
exacerbates the vulnerability of these women to abuse. 
 
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study suggests that the services available to African women who have
experienced domestic abuse are not culturally sensitive and do not meet this vulnerable
population’s needs. Available services are poorly advertised, and advertisements are unavailable
in relevant African languages. To adequately address the issue of domestic violence among
African women in Ireland, an integrated effort will be required from all social and community
support organisations servicing the African community to expand their capacity and deliver
culturally sensitive  services to these women in need. 

Keywords: Domestic violence, African women, Culture, Migration, Qualitative