Domestic violence is a construct that involves individual experiences, interpersonal relationships, and social structures. This
study focused on the plight of new immigrants, particularly women from economically disadvantaged countries (e.g., Vietnam
and Indonesia) who migrated to Taiwan through marriage transactions. These individuals, navigating life across national borders
in an unfamiliar cultural environment, face not only challenges related to individual experiences, interpersonal relationships,
and social structures but also intimate partner violence. In this study, we adopted a risk management and resilience perspective,
which has been used in many international studies (Criss et al., 2002; Phillips et al., 2019; Shpiegel, 2016; Walsh, 2016) to
address familial adversity or pressure. We investigated protective factors for domestic violence resilience in new immigrants,
aiming to identify specific stressors and effective management strategies for domestic violence risks (Anderson et al., 2012; Yule
et al., 2019). This study was undertaken considering that the incidence of domestic violence is higher among new immigrants
than among locals . Our findings may offer professional psychological insights for future interventions for new immigrants.
In new immigrants experiencing domestic violence, help-seeking behaviors are influenced by four dimensions. The first
dimension is personal factors. Multiple studies have investigated the effects of personal capabilities and access to information
on help-seeking behaviors. Relevant personal factors include language proficiency (Reina et al., 2014), assistance procedures
considered cultural factors (Bui, 2003), and awareness of rights and available support resources (Ahmad et al., 2009; Easteal,
1996). The second dimension is interactions and relationships, which pertain to individuals’ intent to seek help through personal
interactions or social networks. This dimension is strongly influenced by the reactions of others and expected outcomes of
help-seeking actions (Acevedo, 2000). The third dimension is local life and institutional factors, which pertain to the effect of
help-seeking on various aspects of a new immigrant’s life—for example, nationality, employment, and economic conditions
(Acevedo, 2000; Ahmad et al., 2009; Bui, 2003). The fourth dimension is sociocultural factors, which explore how cultural
awareness and immigration policies influence help-seeking. Evidence suggests that new female immigrants avoid seeking help
because of cultural practices of regarding domestic violence as a private family matter (Bui, 2003; Jang et al., 1991; Perilla,
1999; Perry et al., 1998; Reina et al., 2014; Yoshihama, 2002).
Factors fostering resilience against domestic violence are categorized into four primary areas. The first area is community
resilience in daily life (Kirmayer et al., 2009; Saul & Simon, 2016). In this area, individuals’ resilience is shaped by the
interaction and moderation of familial, social, and cultural resources within their social ecology. The second area is supportive
resilience from social networks (Anderson et al., 2012; Yule et al., 2019). In this area, both informal relationships (e.g., with
friends and family) and formal relationships (e.g., with professional service providers) help victims rediscover their self-worth.
The third area is achievement-based resilience in daily life (Chronister et al., 2012; Wang, 2011, 2022). In this area, the effects
of resilience are reflected through victims’ achievements, such as employment, professional development, cultural adaptation, domestic labor, maternal role fulfillment, and volunteering. The fourth area is resilience through personal capabilities (Hu et al.,
2022; Rahapsari & Hill, 2019; Shen, 2010). In this area, enhancing relevant knowledge and fostering positive traits improve
resilience.
In this study, a tripartite research dialogue, professional service providers can provide extensive practical experience in
dealing with abused women to aid in policy reform, while expert scholars can enhance the theoretical accuracy of the study
and ensure research quality. Therefore, was held among 21 professional service providers who support new immigrants,
9 new immigrants who had extricated themselves from previous violent relationships, and 10 scholars in relevant fields. To
identify protective factors for domestic violence resilience in new immigrants, we conducted focus groups and individual indepth
interviews and adopted a modified version of the Delphi method. Through content analysis of the qualitative data sets,
we examined three aspects of domestic violence resilience in new immigrants: intrapersonal, relationship, and environmental
(identified from the literature). In addition, we investigated three relational focus factors that are relevant during the service
process with new immigrants experiencing domestic violence: immigrants’ relationship with native culture, life in Taiwan, and
interactions with professionals. This structured analysis revealed nine categories of protective factors for resilience against
domestic violence. The modified Delphi method was adopted, and 25 protective factors were highlighted.
Regarding intrapersonal factors, cultural beliefs from the countries of origin shape new immigrants’ perceptions of domestic
violence. For instance, because of cultural influences, new female immigrants may perceive domestic violence as a private
family matter and thus refrain from seeking help. Therefore, correcting new immigrants’ personal perceptions and experiences
in interactions with professionals can help foster resilience, thereby facilitating help-seeking behaviors. In addition, assisting
new immigrants in adopting a positive attitude toward overcoming domestic violence and subsequent life challenges can be
beneficial.
Regarding supportive resilience from social networks, discussions on resilience can be divided into formal resources
(both from public and private sectors involved in domestic violence prevention) and informal resources (e.g., friends,
neighbors, expatriate associations, and sisterhood groups). Compared with formal resources, informal resources such as
expatriate associations and sisterhood groups play particularly important roles in helping new immigrants access relational
resources, thereby fostering resilience. Victims may initially feel a weak sense of belonging in their formal resource networks.
Nonetheless, providing professional services, establishing appropriate relationships, setting goals, facilitating empowerment,
and demonstrating respect for multiculturalism are essential for fostering resilience against domestic violence.
Regarding environmental factors, systems and environments conducive to employment and daily life in Taiwan (e.g.,
absence of language barriers, collaboration and division of labor, availability of information platforms, advocacy for friendly
policies, and assistance for new immigrants seeking to join relevant organizations) can foster resilience. Practical contributions
in this area can be divided between local communities and professional settings. In local communities, practical contributions
include the operation of expatriate associations and the availability of opportunities for personal achievements (e.g., employment
opportunities and information platforms). In professional settings, practical contributions include the continuity and provision of
formal resources, such as by reducing language barriers during service processes and ensuring seamless services for victims.
In conclusion, domestic violence among new immigrants is a pressing concern that requires continual attention. Embracing
the concept of resilience may assist these individuals in exiting abusive relationships. Professional support providers should
enhance their multicultural competencies through seminars, workshops, in-service training, and other methods such as foreign
language learning to improve their ability to serve new immigrants experiencing domestic violence. Furthermore, reinforcing
multicultural content in professional training programs is recommended.
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A Study on the Resilience Protective Factors of New Immigrants Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence
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