The cross-cultural context of social work with migrant women survivors of intimate partner violence : an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

This research study is a phenomenological interpretative analysis of the cross-cultural experiences of social workers with migrant women survivors of domestic violence. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 experienced social workers working in government and non-government domestic violence services. Findings indicate that social workers prioritise social work values and trust-building with their clients, but struggle with their client’s experiences of racism and find it hard to bring this up in discussion with their clients. They are often frustrated by professionals who show bias and prejudice towards migrant women, as well as with migrant women’s traditional views on gender roles and domestic violence. Respondents feel that there is a lack of training and education on cultural responsiveness, trauma and migration, and cross-cultural communication, as well as a lack of coordination between DVS and CPS. These gaps should be mitigated by facilitating culturally responsive trauma-informed practice and education, preparing students and practitioners for a the increasingly culturally diverse population in Malta.