Coping with domestic violence by Japanese Canadian women

Domestic violence is a worldwide phenomenon and a serious issue regardless of cul-tural backgrounds, types of societies, and levels of living conditions. It creates a verystressful situation for the victims and often results in psychological or physical injuries. Inthe case of spousal abuse, the issue is even more complicated because the effects oftenextend multi-generationally.Family violence is one of the most stressful issues for immigrant families because theyhave to deal with family problems in a completely foreign environment without their famil-iar social supports. In addition, language and cultural barriers may also prevent them fromseeking appropriate help. In some cases, the existing social services may be inappropriate forimmigrant families (Family Violence Situation Paper, 1993). The purpose of this presentresearch is, first, to investigate the experience of violence and abuse against Japanese immi-grant women in Canada; and secondly, to examine the women's coping strategies. It is myhope that findings from the research may be helpful for preventing domestic violence inimmigrant families and developing cross-culturally sensitive counseling models.