Issues that abused immigrant and refugee women deal with:

Fear of jeopardizing Canadian status
Lack of information about Canadian laws and their rights as women
Fear of losing their children for good
Fear of being ostracized from their community
Fear and distrust of police
Lack of professional support from home community
Fear of vulnerability without male protection
Experiences of prejudice, discrimination, or racism when they have interacted with various institutions
Lack of English language skills
Isolation from others
Fear of bringing shame to family
Lack of knowledge about or experience with social service agencies
Lack of availability of culturally appropriate services
Difficulties living within a shelter environment. For example:
Racial issues
Food issues
Differences about what is socially accepted behaviour
Child care/parenting issues
Feels like another prison or refugee camp
In many cases, low economic status.