South Asian Women Confront Domestic Abuse, Highlighting Linguistic Gaps

Women of South Asian descent have expressed their aspiration that education regarding domestic abuse will “stop the cycle for the next generation.” Apna Haq, a charity operating from Rotherham that assists women and girls from ethnic minority backgrounds, conducts courses designed to equip them with the “language” necessary to discuss the abuse they have either experienced or observed. A recent cohort of 12 women received support to address the challenges they encountered, prior to their return to their respective communities to educate other individuals. Zlakha Ahmed, who established Apna Haq three decades ago, stated: “The stigma will remain as long as we don’t talk about these issues openly.” Simran, residing in Huddersfield, escaped an arranged marriage where she was compelled to labor for her husband’s advantage. Simran, who chose to withhold her actual name, immigrated to the UK from India, having previously observed violence within her family residence. She had anticipated that her life in Huddersfield would provide her with freedom; however, she instead experienced exploitation at the hands of her husband and his parents. She highlighted the absence of terminology in her native language, Punjabi, capable of defining domestic abuse that did not involve physical actions. Apna Haq endeavors to increase understanding of emotional, economic, and sexual abuse, in addition to physical violence. Simran, whose marriage was arranged by her parents, informed the BBC: “When I was coming here I thought I was going to a modern world, an advanced society. “I thought I’d be able to wear what I want, study, work, and be my own person.” She ended the 15-year relationship ten years ago, but only subsequently recognized that she had been a victim of domestic abuse, mirroring her mother’s experience. She stated: “I saw my father beating my mother up, and felt like the lucky one because it was not happening to me.” “I thought I was in a better position because I was going out to work, but they were sending me out to earn money that I had to give to them.” Simran, who possessed a strong educational background in India and was proficient in English upon her relocation to the UK, had four children and ultimately departed the situation after observing the impact of the abuse on them. She reported difficulty in obtaining assistance or counsel due to the “shame” such actions would inflict upon her family. The 10-week Azaadi course offered by Apna Haq – with “Azaadi” signifying “freedom” in Hindi and Urdu – provides attendees with insight into cultural matters like language barriers and community pressures. Participants present at the group during the BBC’s visit, who opted to stay anonymous, indicated that emotional abuse was more challenging to identify and was insufficiently discussed. One woman commented: “From the beginning we were made to be scared. “My family said not to talk about what happens in the home.“ “I’m still scared about what might happen if people find out. “But I don’t think anything I say at this group will be exposed, so I’m not as scared.” Ms Ahmed further stated: “These women are now talking about these issues. “When they go back into their communities, they will talk to other women. “Being South Asian doesn’t mean that we have to have a culture which is about being emotionally abusive. “They tell me they want to stop the cycle for the next generation.”