NCJ Number
226033
Journal
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2009 Pages: 1-16
Date Published
January 2009
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study aims to describe the role of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse on the escalation of violence, and find indicators to predict severe intimate partner violence and lethality among Latina immigrants.
Abstract
Results of the study indicate that emotional intimate partner violence (IPV) was the gateway to more severe abuse (physical and sexual); victims of sexual abuse were at higher risk; and victims’ fear of a partner was a useful indicator to assess the severity of IPV and the risk of lethality. Results also indicate that a perpetrator’s alcohol use and lack of self-control skills were stronger predictors of IPV than the measure of the perpetrator’s witnessed or experienced violence in childhood. Alcohol use and lack of self-control skills were two associated variables found to significantly contribute to the use of violence against immigrant Latinas. IPV among Latinos is related to economic problems, acculturation stress, alcohol use, impulsivity, and trauma. However, little is known of the role of abusive tactics to explain more severe acts of violence. The goals of this study were (1) to gather information on the risk factors identified by the literature related to IPV among low-income Latino perpetrators; (2) to determine if an interrelationship existed between three types of violence: emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; and (3) to find useful indicators to predict future severe acts of violence and lethality among Latino immigrant victims of IPV. Study participants consisted of 73 Latina victims. Tables and references