Thursday 8 March 2012

EQUILIBRIUM HEARD

Dishonour and depression - BBC radio 4

Yasmin Khan made a sad and redemptive programme about mental distress among South Asian women. Rates of self harm among South Asian women are 31% compared to 18% in the general population. Sad statistics on rail suicide near Southall were also very telling – 1/3 were by women of South Asian origin. 

The women are often victims of domestic violence.  This abuse, coupled with uncertainty about their immigrant status, leads to distress and depression. Southall Black sisters provides a welcoming and supportive place for them to go. The worry about their status as immigrants is also added to by the fear of deportation back to their countries,  where divorcees can be at risk of honour killing (murder).

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