“No Safe Spaces”: The Retraumatization and Dehumanization of Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence in the United States

Abstract

Immigrants in the United States suffer high rates of domestic violence (DV). Using data from six focus groups with 38 DV service providers, we examined how immigrant survivors navigate an often-hostile political climate and identified structural barriers to healing and help-seeking. Findings indicated that structural discrimination, social exclusion, and dehumanization compound existing trauma and negatively impact survivors’ well-being. Results underscore the need to restructure pathways of immigration relief such as the U Visa and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Self-Petition. Structural interventions targeting the immigration system and enhancing access to more secure legal status could serve to augment population health.