"Those with unheard voices": the plight of a Cambodian refugee woman

Abstract

Refugee women and children compose 80% of the total refugee population worldwide (Martin, 1991). Such a large group is significant because of the magnitude of their need, which is often unheard or misunderstood. This article discusses the plight of a Cambodian refugee woman who was interviewed as part of a larger ethnographic study (Kulig, 1991). Theary's story reveals the differences in perceptions of events according to cultural understanding and the consequences of community shunning. Theary's case is extreme because of its complexity regarding her mental health needs, but it shares themes noted among other refugee women. Recommendations for community health nurses working with refugee women are discussed.