Simplistic stereotyping and complex reality of arab-american immigrant identity: Consequences and future strategies in policing wife battery

The interplay between the actual diversity in a group's internal identity and the imposition of external simplistic stereotypes is often not discussed in relation to policing domestic violence among Arab Americans. Four reported case examples of domestic violence among Arab Americans in a mid-western city form the basis of the discussion. The arguments underscore the challenges faced in this process in terms of the unity and disunity of Arab identity, the varying norms and values relating to violence against women in the Arab culture. The challenges are even more compounded due to the invisibility of Arab Americans in the diversity training curriculum of law enforcement agents and the influence of the overall negative images on the practice of policing within this community. These challenges have dire consequences for victims of domestic violence and the effectiveness of policing such a crime. It is thus essential that Arab Americans are included and understood in the diverse portrait of American society to aid law enforcement officers to do their job effectively.