Accessing Formal Support Services for Black Immigrant Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Urban Western Canada

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among Black immigrant women in Canada remains an under-explored area of research, despite growing attention to IPV in immigrant populations. This study aims to fill the gap by examining the specific barriers faced by Black immigrant women when seeking formal IPV support services. Through in-depth interviews with 15 Black immigrant women who experienced IPV, the research identifies key individual, cultural, and structural barriers that hinder access to support. The findings highlight challenges such as misinterpretations of abuse due to cultural norms, lack of knowledge about available services, fears related to immigration status, language barriers, and concerns about family separation. These insights emphasize the need for culturally safe, trauma-informed services that are responsive to the unique needs of Black immigrant women survivors of IPV in urban Western Canada. The study calls for policy and service improvements to better address these barriers and enhance access to services, ultimately fostering survivor-centered care and reducing the long-term harms of IPV.