VIDEO BASED PROGRAM ON ABUSE OF VIETNAMESE WOMEN

The objective of the proposed project is to produce and evaluate a one- half hour, video-based program on intimate violence against Vietnamese women which is sensitive to the traditional cultural beliefs and special survival issues unique to refugee women. The selection of the content will come from Vietnamese cultural informants and discussions with a panel of experts including mental and physical health service providers, police and court representatives, religious leaders and Vietnamese community leaders. The video-based program will be developed for four different purposes: 1) women victims watching the videos will be shown how to seek help for intimate violence and how seeking help does not violate traditional values, 2) community leaders will see the importance of reframing traditional values to send clear messages of community intolerance of intimate violence and the importance of developing a community response to stop the violence, 3) violent men will understand that violence is illegal and not tolerated by the Vietnamese community, and 4) service providers will have a clearer understanding of traditional Vietnamese values and beliefs that must be considered when providing services and treatment for victims, abusers and their families. The study team represents a unique collaboration between four organizations that bring together unique skills, knowledge and expertise in the area of Vietnamese culture and traditions, research methodology related to intimate violence against women, treatment issues related to intimate violence among refugee women, and video production and marketing.