Latin American Women, Economic Dependence, and Domestic Abuse in the UK
Lately, I've been contemplating the concept of independence—a global and robust notion indeed. But is it genuinely universal? Is independence attainable for everyone, or does it hinge on gender? Do we all have access to independence? Can it be chosen, restricted, or easily taken away?
There exist various forms of independence, some notably elusive, particularly concerning gender. Women have grappled with economic independence for as long as history recalls. This struggle stems from both a lack of information and societal constraints. Patriarchy systematically ensured women's perpetual lack of independence, extending its impact to emotional autonomy as well. Yet, what occurs when we possess the tools, information, and the will but lack the means to emancipate ourselves?
Consider the hardships faced in a scenario where a Latin American woman falls in love. She meets someone in a foreign country, they cohabit (often with the woman relocating), they have a child, her grasp of the language remains limited, and her role as a mother alters her priorities, hindering her ability to study or work.
Suddenly, she becomes wholly reliant on her partner, both emotionally and financially. If the relationship dissolves (where emotional abuse, increasingly prevalent post-Covid, is a leading cause), she would find herself isolated—without a home, income, job, or social support.
These scenarios are more commonplace than we dare to acknowledge. According to a report by LAWRS, approximately 1 in 3 Latin American women in the UK have experienced domestic violence. The report underscores that cultural and language barriers often impede these women from seeking aid or accessing support services.
Regrettably, women are more susceptible to repeat victimisation, physical harm, or even fatality due to domestic violence. The knowledge available today exacerbates our feelings of helplessness. "I should have known better..." becomes a haunting refrain.
In the past, women were expected to embrace powerlessness, but today, we are expected to exude power, independence, manage family life, excel (whether single or in a relationship), succeed professionally, earn money, love our bodies, and, atop these demands, strive to survive. Imagine the overwhelming pressure we endure.
In essence, I believe information holds the key, as does communication. Nevertheless, we are all victims or potential victims. We cannot choose whom we fall in love with, that is why support among women is important, and learning about other ethnicities and the different scenarios each deals with is crucial.
Understanding and appreciating the diverse experiences and challenges faced by different ethnicities is important. By learning about other ethnicities and their unique circumstances, we foster empathy, dismantle stereotypes, and promote inclusivity. This knowledge allows us to comprehend the varied social, cultural, and economic factors that contribute to challenges like domestic violence among different communities. Ultimately, it's through this collective understanding and support that we can strive towards a more equitable and safer environment for all women, irrespective of their cultural backgrounds.
