Teresa Yi Wai Wan, RN, BScN, MN(c) Sepali Guruge, RN, PhD
Ryerson University Ryerson University
Toronto, ON Toronto, ON
Parvathy Kanthasamy Jalajah Jokarasa
Community Resource Consultants of Toronto Ryerson University
Toronto, ON Toronto, ON
Shree-Sai Sathananthan Khosro Refaie Shirpak
Ryerson University Ryerson University
Toronto, ON Toronto, ON
Maryam Chinichian
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON
Background: Violence against women is a global health concern. In Canada, nearly half of older women experiencing abuse identified a family member as their abuser. Racism and ageism can exacerbate this situation for older immigrant women. However, we know little about the vulnerability and challenges faced by older women experiencing abuse/violence in the post-migration context.
Purpose: Using a social determinants of health lens, we conducted a study to understand the perceptions and experiences of, and response to abuse/violence among a group of older immigrant women.
Method: This qualitative study involved eighteen in-depth individual interviews and three focus groups with older Tamil immigrant women. The interviews and focus groups conducted in Tamil were translated and transcribed, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
Discussion: The findings highlighted diverse forms of abuse/violence the older women experienced at the hands of their husbands, children, community, and the society. Societal and contextual factors, such as social isolation, generation gap, financial dependency on their sponsors, and limited access to settlement, legal, and immigration services, shaped the women’s responses to abuse/violence. Implications for practice, policy and future research will be presented.