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Lesson Five: (Continued)
Examples of Cultural Barriers which may Hinder Effective Victim Services
The following dimensions have been identified as possible barriers to effectively
dealing with child abuse and neglect in cross-cultural settings:
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Assumed Similarity. Our belief that another’s viewpoint and experience
is similar to our own as a human services provider, law enforcement officer
or mandated reporter.
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Definitions of Crime and Victims. The concept of crime, breaking the law,
victimization and victims’ rights may vary by culture.
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Misinformation about Victim Services, including the Location of Victim Service
Programs. Limited-English speakers may have inadequate awareness or understanding
of the processes and services available to assist children and their
families.
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Victim Compensation. Many people have little awareness or understanding about
victims’ rights, potential compensations.
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Limited Resources. Persons may not have access to public services or benefits,
e.g., no telephone, no transportation, no time off from work, etc.
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Language. Misinterpretation or inability to understand written or spoken
communication regarding child abuse and neglect, including laws and available
services, may be due to limited English proficiency or limited education.
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Lack of Diversity of Program Staff. There may be a failure of law enforcement
or human services agencies to hire or adequately prepare employees for working
in cross-cultural settings.
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A number of additional dimensions of victim and provider belief systems could
also serve as a hindrance to adequate understanding, communication and
implementation of child protection laws, such as:
• Distrust of the Criminal Justice System
• Fear of Deportation
• Loyalty to Own Cultural Group
• Shame and Taboo
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Prejudice
• Expectations of Provider’s Role
• Grieving and Healing Processes
• Conceptions of Privacy
• The Role of the Family
Many of these dimensions will be explored more fully later in
this module.
Definitions of Crime and Victim
Although “crimes” can be identified and defined in terms of the law,
cultural experience can lead people to have differing views and definitions
of crime.
For example, if a large family of limited means uses a social security check
to support the entire family, and the social security recipient goes without
enough food as a result, some might label that neglect or elder abuse. However
in that family’s context, personal property may be defined differently
and it might be unheard of for the elder person to eat before her young
grandchild has had enough.
These differing definitions of “crime” can be the cause of
misunderstanding and even conflict between victims and those seeking
to help them.
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