Men from migrant and refugee backgrounds might find it difficult to relate to mainstream fatherhood-focused services and supports. There can be cultural, structural and service-related complexities, often interrelated, in addition to individual or family circumstances.
Cultural complexities include language, ethnicity, identity, acculturation, religious considerations, cultural norms, gender roles, perceptions of services, as well as barriers related to migration and pre-migration experiences (including experiences of trauma in the case of men from refugee backgrounds in particular) and experiences of racism and discrimination.
In some cultures, disclosing family issues to a third party can affect the family’s social status in the community. The fear of bringing about perceived shame to their family often prevents men (and women) from migrant and refugee backgrounds from engaging with services and supports. Further, some communities may not be familiar with the purpose of counselling and may attach stigma to mental health issues.
Structural complexities include practical limitations such as availability and accessibility of appropriate services and supports, including clashes with work and family commitments. This is coupled with lack of knowledge or understanding of services available, and lack of confidence to navigate them. For newly arrived migrants this can become overwhelming.
Service-related complexities relate to lack of cultural responsiveness of support and service models. Men from migrant and refugee backgrounds are unlikely to engage with programs if they feel they do not meet their cultural and individual needs and expectations. It is important for this cohort to feel that their personal experiences and cultural complexities are acknowledged and that they are not being stereotyped or judged. Similarly, men from migrant and refugee backgrounds need to feel they are being treated equally and provided full and accurate information that addresses their circumstances.
