Domestic violence and immigration status among Latina mothers in the child welfare system: Findings from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being II (NSCAW II)

Challenges in Treating Undocumented Immigrants

“…The few existing studies show that unauthorized immigrant children and adults experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder compared with authorized immigrants and citizens (16). Unauthorized immigrants are likely to face psychosocial stressors such as difficulty finding employment, workplace exploitation, limited freedom to return home ( 17), and lower rates of referral to government agencies for domestic violence (18) and child maltreatment (19). Consequently, adjustment and substance use disorders may be higher among unauthorized immigrants than among authorized immigrants and citizens (20).…”

Trauma, immigration, and sexual health among Latina women: Implications for maternal–child well‐being and reproductive justice

“…In addition, disenfranchised Latina immigrant mothers face the consequences of gender, class, racial oppression, and consequently poverty, resulting in poor access to protective systems of social support and mental health services which could otherwise mitigate developing posttraumatic stress and revictimization (Crenshaw, ; Galano et al., ). Undocumented Latina immigrants are more likely to have higher rates of IPV and involvement with the child welfare system, as compared to women who are permanent residents or citizens (Ogbonnaya, Finno‐Velasquez, & Kohl, ). Risk is highest for IPV during pregnancy and after childbirth, and immigrant status can increase dependency on a partner, leaving women less likely to report abuse and to seek asylum or legal aid (Coutinho et al., ) out of fear of deportation and family separation as well as stigma.…”

From Systematic Review to Call for Action

“…Defined here as Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, South American, Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, in accordance with Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) definitions, the Hispanic American (HA) population continues to grow in the United States. In the most recent Census, 17.3% of the U.S. population reported being HA, amounting to 55.3 million people, an increase from 6.5% in 1980 (Stepler & Brown, 2016) and DV among HA immigrants is common (Ogbonnaya, Finno-Velasquez, & Kohl, 2015). High lifetime rates of violence are notable, with 33.9% admitting physical violence, 20.9% reporting sexual coercion, and 82.5% disclosing psychological aggression (Cuevas et al, 2012).…”

“…In fact, more than half (53.6%) of HA women reported at least one victimization, and two thirds (66.2%) experienced more than one victimization in their lifetime (Hazen & Soriano, 2007). Moreover, underreporting likely occurs in this population, especially among unauthorized immigrant HAs (Ogbonnaya et al, 2015).…”