Advocacy for Survivors

Unique contexts guide interventions
Intervention strategies by Asian and Pacific Islander advocates have arisen as accommodations innovations to respond effectively to a range of unique contexts. For example, advocates have built the capacity of consulates and embassies to assist immigrant battered women with passport problems arising from a batterer who conceals or withholds a partner’s passport. Consular staffs receive training on domestic violence and list local service programs on their website – an indication of increased awareness about the problem. Another example is promoting battered women’s independence by purchasing them driving lessons, car insurance, or bus passes; familiarizing them with public transport by accompanying them through the system on the routes they use.

Differing dynamics impact advocacy
Given some of the differing dynamics of violence against API women, it is important to understand their service implications and the impact they have on battered women and children in order to provide culturally relevant advocacy. For example, the presence of abusive in-laws alters the nature of safety planning.

The following materials demonstrate how contexts and dynamics inform interventions.

Jump to a section below

• Domestic Violence Survivors
• Sexual Violence Survivors
• Trafficked Women
• Other Resources

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Domestic Violence Survivors

• Addressing Domestic Violence against API Women

Topics include

• Violence over the Lifecourse
• Dynamics of Domestic Violence against API Women
• Multiple Batterers and the Impact on Victims/Survivors
• Push and Pull Factors and Implications for Leaving

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Sexual Violence Survivors

• Sexual Violence against Asian and Pacific Islander Women

Multiple-Level Preparations for Domestic Violence Programs to Address Sexual Violence

1. Advocate level preparation
   1. Understanding advocate discomfort
   2. Language: vocabulary, terms, interpretation
   3. Advocates’ own reactions, experiences, vulnerabilities
2. Survivor/victim and community level preparation
   1. Client histories, vulnerabilities, experiences
   2. Community responses
   3. Victim-blaming
3. Agency level preparation
   1. Policies and procedures
   2. Staff training
   3. Collaboration with sexual assault programs
   4. Support, supervision and self-care
4. Services and referrals
   1. Crisis services and referrals
   2. Non-crisis intervention for past experiences

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Trafficked Women

• Recommendations for Domestic Violence Advocates serving Trafficked Women

Topics include:

• Arrest
• Custody and Release
• Legal Representation and the Investigation Process
• Endangerment and Confidentiality
• Shelter Services
• Medical Records and Care
• Complex Trauma and Oppressions

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Other Resources

• Advocacy Beyond Leaving: Helping Battered Women in Contact with Current or Former Partners by Jill Davies Published by Futures Without Violence and National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

• When Battered Women Stay…Advocacy Beyond Leaving by Jill Davies Published by National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

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