Intimate partner violence (IPV) continues to be a major public health issue confronting US women including those living in Border communities. Few studies have documented ethnic differences in IPV experiences, mental health characteristics, and the social support received from formal and informal sources. The current study documents such differences by comparing a sample of Hispanic and Anglo women living in border communities in Southwest US.
Women at a local domestic violence shelter who had experienced heterosexual intimate partner violence in their current relationship and had stayed at the shelter at least one night were recruited for the study. Life history interviews and surveys were administered to eligible shelter clients in the privacy of an office. Study participants were financially compensated for their participation. They were followed for a period of one year during which interviews and surveys were conducted every three months. Questions on sociodemographic, violence, mental health, and support characteristics were included in the survey. Only survey results will be presented here.
Study findings highlight ethnic differences between Hispanic and Anglo study participants in four domains: IPV characteristics, mental health issues, perceived social support, and sociodemographic characteristics. These differences along with implications for research and service delivery will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1. Recognize ethnic differences in intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences 2. Describe ethnic differences in mental health and social support characteristics 3. Discuss relevant and ethnic-specific public health strategies to address IPV more effectively in border communities
Keywords: Hispanic, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: This research was supported by a 2-year grant from the National Institute of Justice to the principal author and presentor Dr. Satya P. Krishnan
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.