A descriptive study, and exploration, of the services provided by seven South Asian domestic violence organization in the United States

This research study locates the functioning of Seven South Asian domestic violence organizations within the secular liberal framework of U.S. I describe the various services provided, and attempt to explore the disconnect that often occurs between these services and the unique needs and contexts of the South Asian immigrant domestic violence victims when they seek help in the U.S. I do this by defining the secular- liberal framework, and a discussion on the “individuated self” by drawing from Brown (2006). Through un-structured telephone interviews and participant observation this descriptive study of services, provided by these organizations, reflects the innovative approaches that address the needs of the South Asian immigrant communities. However, I argue, these services don’t fall under the secular–liberal framework, since they are “irrational” and “non-liberal” in nature. Ultimately, I state that the liberal framework is inherently exclusionary and fails to capture the nuances and complexities of gender and culture in domestic violence resolution in the U.S. In conclusion, and for future research, I suggest exploring alternate ways of dealing with domestic violence through increased community engagement and deriving the various meanings and negotiations that are made within those communities.