“Waiting for Someone to Ask”: Successful Implementation of an IPV Response by Bicultural Settlement Staff with Refugee Women in Australia

Abstract

Refugee women are less likely to seek support for intimate partner violence (IPV). This study examined an IPV intervention by bicultural settlement staff in Australia, aiming to enhance the capacity of settlement services to address IPV. The Safety and Health After Arrival (SAHAR) study was conducted in five settlement services in New South Wales. Bicultural caseworkers were trained to use the ACTS IPV screening tool and follow-up protocol, translated into several languages. Data were collected through focus groups (24 caseworkers, 4 IPV specialists) and interviews (5 managers). Seven themes emerged: (1) Confidence grew rapidly; (2) Clear and simple tools matter; (3) Language matching facilitates connection; (4) Settlement services can do this; (5) Disclosing is more complex for refugee women; (6) Care and inclusivity enable disclosure and help-seeking; (7) Women choose different pathways. Culturally tailored interventions and bicultural workers are crucial for supporting IPV disclosure and response. Implementing IPV screening in settlement services is feasible, increasing IPV awareness and providing disclosure opportunities. Ongoing training, support, and further research on long-term sustainability are needed.