Research Department Conceptualizing Partner Abuse Among South Asian Women in Hong Kong Jenny Chingkhannem Tonsing' Journal of Transcultural Nursing 2014, Vol. 25(3) 281-289 @ The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1043659614522650 tcn.sagepub.com SSAGE Abstract Purpose: This qualitative study was conducted with 14 South Asian women in Hong Kong to explore their perception and experiences of domestic violence by an intimate partner. Design: All interviews were transcribed and then coded based on the process of coding suggested by Strauss and Corbin, including both open and axial coding. Results: Data analysis resulted in two main core categories, "Women's perception of domestic violence" and "Cultural factors that influence their help- seeking behavior," denoting that the context in which domestic violence is experienced influences women's perception and understanding of domestic violence. Participants also drew on the discourse of culture to explain its role in their experiences of domestic violence. Conclusion: Domestic violence is a concern among this group of South Asian women. Culturally appropriate domestic violence services and public education on domestic violence are needed for this community. Keywords Domestic Violence, South Asians immigrants women, Hong Kong Introduction Domestic violence against women is a worldwide social problem and has been acknowledged as one of the leading causes of injuries for women (Dobash & Dobash, 1979; Griffin & Koss, 2002; Hague & Malos, 2005; Levinson, 1989; Smith, Thornton, DeVellis, Earp, & Coker, 2002). Although numerous changes have been made, and activism on the part of women's groups at the grassroots level has propelled violence against women as a human rights issue onto the world stage (Heise, Alanagh, Watts, & SZwi, 1994), it continues to be a serious social problem that needs ongoing attention. Although numerous studies on domestic violence have been conducted, especially among ethnic minorities and immigrant groups (e.g., Abraham, 2000a; Dasgupta, 2000a; Han, Kim, & Tyson, 2010; Menjivar & Salcido, 2002; Nguyen, 2007; Raj & Silverman, 2002b), most of these stud- ies have mainly explored the impact, prevalence, conse- quences, and prevention of domestic violence. This article explores women's perception of domestic violence and how their perception influences their help-seeking behaviors.1 According to the 2011 Hong Kong Census, 6.4% of the total population constitutes ethnic minorities, of which South Asians comprise 0.9% (Census and Statistics Department, 2012). South Asians are composed of people from the Indian subcontinent such as from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The majority of Indians, Pakistanis, and Nepalese are permanent residents, whereas people from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are mainly migrant household workers, many of whom are living without their families. Thus, this study mainly focuses on Indian, Pakistani, and Nepalese women. The Pakistani and Indian community has been in Hong Kong since the early 20th century, and migrants from the Indian subcontinent started settling in Hong Kong after the British took possession of the colony in 1841 (Welsh, 1997). The majority of the "Indians"2 at that time were employed as policemen and prison guards under the British administra- tion (Vaid, 1972; White, 1994). The