Self-Compassion, Health, and Empowerment: A Feasibility Intervention Study for Chinese Immigrant Women With Intimate Partner Violence in the U.S.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social and public health issue. In the U.S., more than 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. IPV has significant physical and mental health consequences such as injury, chronic pain, and depression. Chinese immigrants have been overlooked and underserved and represent an especially vulnerable group of IPV victims, as they are less likely to seek help through IPV service agencies, women's shelters, hospitals, or law enforcement. Effective IPV intervention programs that are culturally appropriate, accessible, and acceptable are essential to this underserved population. However, no studies have been conducted with abused Chinese immigrant women to help them deal with IPV and reduce mental health consequences.

Therefore, the study adapted a structured IPV intervention from the Domestic Violence Enhanced Home Visitation Program (DOVE) as well as incorporate self-compassion and relaxation techniques for Chinese immigrant women experiencing IPV. The intervention is called Self-Compassion, Health, and Empowerment (SHE). The study will test the feasibility and acceptability of the SHE to reduce IPV and improve mental health well-being for abused Chinese immigrant women residing in the US.