Research based on a demographic survey and qualitative interviews of Latino intimate partner violence perpetrators in Southern California forms the basis of a Spanish-language treatment program designed to be culturally appropriate for Latino immigrant men, and piloted for 4 years with their input. Culturally-specific topics emphasized by participants and integrated into the program are: effective parenting skills for men; gender roles; discussion of discrimination towards immigrants and women; immigration and changing gender roles; marital sexual abuse; and spirituality as related to violence prevention. Attention is given to alcohol abuse and childhood trauma. Results suggest the desirability of an empathic and culturally-sensitive approach, without diminishing responsibility. This program was designed to help clinicians refine their skills and effectiveness in working with this rapidly expanding population.
This case study examines the individual treatment of a 35-year-old Latino man of Mexican descent, living in Southern California at the time of his therapy. The primary treatment goal for this client was the eradication of violent and abusive behavior to his wife of 13 years, from whom he was divorced in the course of our work together, and to improve his self-knowledge and relationship skills for future intimate relationships. A secondary goal was to help him guide his children through the pain of the divorce and to establish a closer relationship with them. Using the treatment model Sin Golpes (Welland & Wexler, 2007), based on self-psychology and cognitive behavioral theories, our work focused on psychoeducation regarding partner abuse and human rights; self-management strategies; awareness of the connection between negative cognitions, anger, and abuse; exploration and transformation of gender roles, parenting skills, relationship skills, and the integration of spiritual teachings; and prevention of future violence. The client made significant progress and has not relapsed into partner violence in the past 5 years.
KEYWORDS: case study; Latino; therapy with men; intimate partner violence; attachmentI have had the privilege of working with Latinos in many different settings for the past 35 years. My first exposure to Latin America came in the 1970s, when I began an 8-year period working in Mexico City as a social worker with an international organization. In my dual roles making home visits and offering adult education, it became clear to me that in the low-income areas I served, intimate partner violence (IPV) was an extraordinarily common phenomenon. Alcohol abuse on the part of the male offender was more common than not in both urban and rural settings. Forced sex programs and practice
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