Citation

Merali N. Violence Against Women 2009; 15(3): 321-339.

Affiliation

University of Alberta, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1077801208330435

PMID

19139493

Abstract

South Asians in Canada often apply the traditional custom of arranged marriage across international borders, leading to male sponsorship of family-chosen brides from their home countries. This qualitative study examined understandings of sponsorship and marital/resettlement experiences among English-proficient and non-English-proficient South Asian brides who entered Canada after recent immigration policy changes to reduce sponsored women's vulnerability to maltreatment. English-proficient women were aware of their rights and permanent resident status, and reported significant integration support. In contrast, non-English-proficient women misunderstood sponsorship and faced multiple barriers to participation in Canadian life, along with severe abuse and neglect.

Language: en