Surviving domestic violence : a meta-ethnography of South Asian women's coping experiences ‘it was like the house was burning’ – the decision-making processes of South Asian mothers leaving abusive relationships

This meta-ethnographic systematic review explored how South Asian women navigate and survive domestic violence across diverse global contexts. Five databases were systematically searched, yielding 17 qualitative studies examining women's lived experiences of coping with or surviving domestic violence. Two overarching themes were identified: emotion-focused coping and strategic coping. Emotion-focused strategies included remaining silent, internalising abuse, and drawing on faith or spirituality. Strategic coping involved temporarily leaving the home, focusing on children, engaging in self-care or employment, and seeking emotional support from trusted individuals. These behaviours were not isolated reactions but were shaped by cultural expectations surrounding gender roles, family honour, and marital duty. The findings highlight coping as a culturally embedded process driven by survival, self-preservation, and the protection of family honour rather than passive responses. These strategies often reflect intentional, adaptive choices made within restrictive socio-cultural frameworks. This review provides a conceptual foundation for developing intersectional, culturally congruent support systems tailored to South Asian women’s diverse coping needs. It underscores the need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that honours survivors' lived realities through safe, non-judgmental spaces and the integration of informal, faith-based, and community support.