Abstract
Domestic violence against Hmong women is not reflected in empirical studies and is attributed to underreporting and under utilization of services. Limited empirical studies suggest that domestic violence is not a problem among the Hmong population. This study examines the knowledge and the help seeking practices of forty-one paraprofessional Hmong women in the Sacramento region. Paraprofessional Hmong women have valuable knowledge that can significantly improve the human service system but there are not many skilled Hmong professionals. This exploratory study aims to reveal the prevalence of domestic violence in the Hmong culture and the cultural values that conceal it. The outcomes revealed that the fear of bringing shame on a family clan is a cultural value that deters Hmong women from seeking professional help. Factors that would encourage utilization of professional services are trust, confidentiality, and knowledge of the Hmong culture. Considering service providers implemented these factors, Hmong women would be more likely to utilize or refer someone to the services.