Latinos’ Perspectives and Experiences With Intimate Partner Violence

• Published in: Violence against women 2007-02, Vol.13 (2), p.141-158
• Main Authors: Klevens, Joanne, Shelley, Gene, Clavel-Arcas, Carmen, Barney, David D., Tobar, Cynthia, Duran, Elizabeth S., Barajas-Mazaheri, Ruth, Esparza, Janys
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Community Services; Community support programmes; Cultural competence; Cultural Sensitivity; Cultural Values; Culture; Domestic partners; Domestic violence; Family - ethnology; Female; Focus Groups; Hispanic American people; Hispanic Americans; Hispanic Americans - psychology; Humans; Intervention; Interviews as Topic; Latino people; Male; Middle Aged; Oklahoma; Partner Abuse; Perceptions; Qualitative Research; Residence Characteristics; Social Services; Social Support; Spouse Abuse - ethnology; Spouse Abuse - prevention & control; Spouse Abuse - psychology; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1077-8012; 1552-8448
• DOI: 10.1177/1077801206296980

This qualitative study, utilizing focus group interviews with community members and in-depth interviews with victims and perpetrators, explored Latinos’ beliefs and perceptions of IPV in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as a basis for developing culturally appropriate intimate partner violence (IPV) services for this population. The findings from these interviews suggest that this community recognizes IPV as a problem and is aware of the multiple dimensions, potential causes, and negative consequences of IPV. In general, participants perceived family and neighbors as preferring to not get involved in situations of IPV. However, family was also expected to, and often did, provide tangible support to victims. Directions for developing prevention programs for this population and future research are suggested.