Prevalence and risk factors of intimate partner violence among Chinese immigrant women.

AIMS

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of intimate partner violence among Chinese immigrant women residing in the USA.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study using the online survey approach.

METHODS

A total of 475 Chinese immigrant women were recruited online between April-June 2019. We measured past year intimate partner violence, sociodemographic, relationship-related and immigration-related factors, religion, social support, acculturation, adverse childhood experiences, and gender role beliefs.

RESULTS

Twenty-one percent of Chinese immigrant women experienced past year intimate partner violence. Younger age, cohabiting relationship, lower levels of relationship satisfaction and social support, older age at arrival, longer length of stay, religious belief, and adverse childhood experiences were associated with the occurrence of intimate partner violence.

CONCLUSION

Chinese immigrant women experience higher rates of intimate partner violence compared with other populations of women. Future research is still needed to elucidate abused Chinese immigrant women's violence experiences, help-seeking behaviours, availability of resources and needs for services to tailor prevention and intervention programs culturally.

IMPACT

The findings added to our understanding of intimate partner violence among this largest Asian immigrant group. Modifiable risk factors such as social support should be targeted in future preventions and interventions for abused Chinese immigrant women residing in the USA.