Intimate partner violence: perceptions of Samoan women

The purpose of this study was to examine cultural perceptions, awareness, responses, and actions recommended about IPV by Samoan women served by a Community Health Center (CHC). THEORETICAL FOUNDATION: This investigation is a part of a series of exploratory community based participatory research (CBPR) studies based on critical social theory.

This qualitative study was conducted using focus groups with Samoan women served by a health center. Analysis of qualitative data was accomplished using content analysis. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive methods.

Eight Samoan women, 18 years and older participated in the focus groups.

The instruments were translated from English to Samoan and back translated into English. The facilitators conducted an initial focus group and a validation group with the same participants. Sessions were taped and transcribed in Samoan and back translated into English.

The women clearly identified IPV and were aware that it occurs in their cultural group. They identified multiple responses of individual women, families, and communities to IPV. In Samoa there was a formalized process for addressing this problem that has been changed in Hawai'i. The CHCs are viewed as an important resource for the families and can be a source of interventions.

Health care providers should be aware of differences between Western notions of independence and the ideals of interdependence held by specific cultural groups. The CHC personnel have raised questions about the appropriateness of using tools that were developed for use with Western women with immigrant women.