Intimate partner violence and mental health among Black and Minority Ethnic women in the United Kingdom: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: In the United Kingdom, Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) women are disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence (IPV), which has severe mental health repercussions. Despite this, there is a significant disparity in the comprehension of the distinctive obstacles that these women encounter when attempting to access support and achieve equitable results. This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing literature to investigate the prevalence, mental health impacts, and barriers to help-seeking for IPV among BME women in the UK. 

Methods: Based on the Arksey and O'Malley framework and methodology guidance stage provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), this review examined forty qualitative and mixed-methods studies that were published between 2010 and 2023 and were obtained from ten main databases. To synthesise the data, thematic analysis was implemented following a modified framework for healthcare delivery challenges. 

Results: Key findings indicate that BME communities have a disproportionately high prevalence of IPV, which is further increased by underreporting because of cultural norms, language barriers, and distrust of authorities. Access to information, cultural norms, and immigration status were identified as complex barriers to help-seeking. Ethnicity, gender, and immigration status worsen the mental health effects of institutional violence and IPV. In addition, IPV prevalence varied widely among demographic and geographic groups. 

Conclusion: A comprehensive IPV plan for BME women in the UK is urgently needed. Strategic interventions for young adults and rural communities, culturally sensitive and trauma-informed services, and BME support organisation funding are some practical solutions. Future research should focus on evaluating culturally adapted interventions and conducting community-based, longitudinal, and large-scale studies.