"Domestic violence in the Nepali community is a major social issue. Many women in the community experience varying forms of domestic violence like physical, emotional, psychological, verbal, and financial abuse. The power of making decisions is handed to men in most families and women tend to have very little to no access to higher education. The cultural setting in which husbands are the head of the households and bread owners’ places males in power positions whereas women are expected to cater needs of family like providing care to children and elders in the family. Individuals who need mental health services are deemed less competent so individuals who grew up in abusive households have no safe space to process them."

"As a young girl, I recall hearing that a woman should always compromise and bear their partner's abuse as a responsibility to the relationship and family. But I had no idea that interpersonal violence is as prevalent as it is in the Nepali community back in Nepal and in the US. A patriarchal ancestral principle guides the Nepali community. Many women in the community face interpersonal violence daily and lack the courage and confidence to leave the situation. Women ranging in age from very young to older in the community face vile treatment. There are also many deeply ingrained myths and stigma about the IPV in the Nepali community which makes it very challenging for survivors to leave the situation. IPV advocacy and awareness are critical in the South Asian community. As a community-based social worker, I've had the opportunity to support IPV survivors in the community and hope to continue doing so."