Abstract
The author examines factors associated with barriers to service utilization by Arab immigrant women who are the victims of partner abuse. The study employed a cross-sectional survey during personal interviews with 67 Arab women who were victims of partner abuse. Survey questions elicited data on demographics, abuse experience, & barriers to utilizing services. Participants reported incidents of severe physical abuse (73%), injury (58.2%), & sexual abuse (40.3%). Complaints of excessive service costs were given by 92.5% of the participants; 65.6% reported a lack of interest in partner abuse on the part of physicians; 74.6% reported feelings of fear, 70.1 % of shame, & 62.7% of embarrassment over seeking help from outside of their families; 92.5% admitted to a lack of knowledge about how existing service providers operate; 70.1 % reported language barriers between themselves & service providers; & 74.6% reported a lack of informal support. Policy implications are discussed & recommendations are offered for improving service delivery to this particular population. 3 Tables, 54 References. Adapted from the source document.