How Do Language Barriers Impact Domestic Violence Reporting?

Domestic violence is already one of the most underreported crimes. Language barriers make that problem substantially worse.

Research consistently shows that language barriers reduce the likelihood that survivors will seek formal help. Studies cited by immigrant advocacy organizations found that Latino immigrants were less than half as likely to seek assistance from formal agencies as non-immigrants, with help-seeking rates of 6.9% compared with 14.7%. Other research found that more than one in five immigrant survivors identified language barriers as the primary obstacle preventing them from obtaining assistance or reporting abuse.

These disparities are especially troubling because many immigrant and limited-English communities experience high rates of victimization. Community-based studies have found that between 41% and 61% of Asian immigrant women report experiencing physical or sexual intimate partner violence during their lifetimes. Yet those experiences are often missing from official crime statistics because survivors face significant barriers to reporting and accessing support.

Language barriers can create a broader climate of fear and mistrust. Surveys of advocates serving immigrant communities found that approximately 76% reported survivors expressing serious concerns about contacting law enforcement.

While many factors contribute to that hesitation, confusion related to immigration rights and status can further discourage reporting, making effective language access an essential component of victim safety, justice, and accountability.

Ada’s Story

Ada is one example. She immigrated to the United States for a relationship that quickly turned dangerous. “[Ada] didn’t really know of her rights while she was here. So there was a lot of control in that relationship. She said that even for her son, there was a lot of verbal, emotional abuse to both of them, economic abuse,” said Rita, her case manager at a regional women and children’s shelter.

Ada does not speak English and was scared there would be no one to help her, but several months ago, she finally worked up the courage to call the shelter. Rita immediately became her case manager.

“It made a huge difference in my life,” Ada said through an interpreter. “I even felt like I could see the light. Because whenever you try to, to seek help, just to communicate, it can sometimes be so difficult.”

The organization that manages the shelter contracts with a professional language services provider. When a case manager, a counselor, or even a legal adviser needs help with interpretation or translation for the client, assistance is immediately available. Written materials are already prepared in the language of choice, and an interpreter can be accessed for phone calls, video meetings, or in person.

Ada, now free and empowered, is taking classes, learning English, and planning her life.

She hopes others will see that a language barrier is never a barrier to safety.

“Don’t be scared. It is not worth being in that situation because they’re here to help us no matter what language we speak,” she said.

The Role of Language in Reporting Domestic Violence

Here's a closer look at how language plays a pivotal role in the domestic violence discourse:

• Struggle to Communicate: Victims who do not speak English fluently often struggle to describe the nuances of their experiences. Certain emotions, actions, or cultural contexts may not have direct translations. This may lead to misunderstandings or underestimations of the gravity of the situation by authorities or support networks.
• Fear of Stigmatization: For some, their linguistic identity is tied deeply to their cultural and community ties. Reporting abuse can be fraught with fears of ostracization or dishonoring one's family or community. If victims believe they won't be understood or fear that their experiences will be misinterpreted due to language differences, they might choose silence over seeking help.
• Legal Complexities: Navigating the legal system can be daunting for anyone, but for those facing language barriers, it becomes even more challenging. From filing reports to testifying in court, every step can feel like a monumental task when done in a non-native language.
• Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity: Beyond linguistic understanding, there is a need for genuine empathy and cultural sensitivity. Different cultures might have varied perceptions and thresholds regarding what constitutes abuse. Professionals must be trained not just in language, but also in understanding the cultural contexts from which victims come.

LanguageLine Can Help

Breaking the chains of domestic violence requires more than just awareness and legal measures. It demands a comprehensive approach that recognizes and addresses the multifaceted challenges victims face. Language barriers, while not always visible, are real and formidable obstacles.

To truly support victims, there's an urgent need to bridge these linguistic gaps. This can be achieved through multilingual hotlines and phone trees, translation services, culturally sensitive counseling, and community outreach in multiple languages. LanguageLine is available to provide this assistance in more than 270 languages.

We offer 24/7 interpreting services to 911 dispatchers, as well as domestic violence hotlines and shelters across the country. We also provide translation services for domestic violence-related legal documents, such as restraining orders and divorce petitions. Please schedule a free consultation to learn more about the assistance we can provide.

By recognizing and addressing language as a barrier, we can move closer to a world where every victim of domestic violence feels heard, understood, and supported.