Intimate Partner Violence Among Hispanic Females

Abstract

Intimate partner violence poses a major public health and social problem with serious criminal justice, health and social-related consequences. However, little is known about the etiology of intimate partner violence among young people, especially minority youth. Using the Hispanic Stress Inventory, we examine intimate partner violence among Hispanics, particularly Mexican American adolescent females. Understanding and identifying issues related to intimate partner violence is crucial for developing and implementing effective policies and programs encompassing both public health and criminal justice approaches specific to this rapidly growing population of young people.

Toward a Model for Engaging Latino Lay Ministers in Domestic Violence Intervention

“…Efforts to reduce domestic violence in Latino communities must take into account the influence of social structural inequality on family dynamics (Petersen & Valdez, 2004). Falicov (1998) and Flores-ortiz (2000) have described the impact of social injustice on Latino family well-being and the role of oppression in abusive family relationships.…”

“…Relationship conflict (Aldarondo, Kaufman, & Jasinski, 2002) and changing gender roles resulting from acculturation (Klevens et al, 2007;mattson & Rodriguez, 1999;Sugihara & Warner, 2002) also have been associated with domestic violence in immigrant Latino families. It is important to note that environmental and structural inequalities lie at the root of many of these problems (Bent-Goodley, 2005, Petersen & Valdez, 2004.…”

“…many values predominant in Latino culture also favor an environmental approach that draws on existing support networks within the ethnic community. These informal supports may better serve the needs of lowincome Latino families than traditional services offered by mainstream domestic violence agencies and shelters (Adames & Campbell, 2005;Petersen & Valdez, 2004;Yoshioka & Choi, 2005). Various studies have documented the reluctance of Latinas to seek help from mainstream domestic violence organizations, which are typically geared to separating women from their abusers and preparing them to live independently (Lown & Vega, 2003;menjivar & Salcido, 2002;murdaugh et al, 2004;Yoshioka & Choi, 2005).…”

Using Snowball-Based Methods in Hidden Populations to Generate a Randomized Community Sample of Gang-Affiliated Adolescents

“…Miller, 2001;Petersen, 2000aPetersen, , 2000bPetersen, , 2003Petersen & Valdez, 2002;Peterson et al, 2001;Zatz & Portillos, 2000). Understanding and identifying issues relating to gangs, violence, and victimization is crucial for developing and implementing effective policies and programs that encompass both public health and criminal justice approaches specific to this growing population of young people (Petersen & Valdez, 2004). Likewise, further attention must be given to understanding the gender-gangs connection for the development of appropriate prevention and early intervention strategies.…”