Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Health

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV), which describes physical and/or sexual assault of a spouse or sexually intimate companion, is a common health care issue across the globe. However, existing health outcomes studies are limited. Additionally, no study to our knowledge has specifically focused on the relationship between IPV and sexual health among Latina immigrants in southwestern United States. Through the use of photovoice methodology and a community-based participatory research approach, we assessed these types of relationships drawing on data gathered from 22 Latina survivors of IPV and 20 community stakeholders in El Paso, Texas. Participants identified two major themes: the different expressions of domestic violence and the need for access to sexual and reproductive health services. Community stakeholders and participants identified practical and achievable recommendations and actions including the development of a promotora training program on IPV and sexual health. This assessment extends beyond HIV and STI risk behaviors and highlights disease prevention within a wellness and health promotion framework.

Analyzing the Association Between Depression and High-Risk Sexual Behavior Among Adult Latina Immigrant Farm Workers in Miami-Dade County

“…Our findings are largely consistent with the literature, revealing that Latinas, in comparison with non-Hispanic White women and other minority groups, disproportionately engage in high-risk sexual behavior when they have low SRP and face IPV [5,10]. Furthermore, Latina immigrants are at increased vulnerability to exploitation due to their immigration status [4]. An important generalization that can be made from these findings is the cultural impact of marianismo and machismo.…”

“…Some of the factors that have placed Latina immigrants at such a disadvantage are language barriers, acculturation challenges, and economic pressures—factors associated with depression and risky sexual behavior [3]. These undesired mental health outcomes, like depression and risky sexual behavior, may be due to fear of deportation that deters them from accessing health care and preventative services—already a scarcity in many immigrant communities [4]. Even where proof of legal status is not required for service delivery, misinformation about rights to health care, lack of trust, and HIV stigma prevent this population from accessing much needed information and services that aid in the prevention of risky sexual behaviors and accessibility to mental health care [5].…”

Accessing and Recruiting a Community-Based Sample of Men of Mexican Origin to Explore Intimate Partner Violence

“…Previous research has noted high rates of IPV among Hispanic women in this area (De Santis, Provencio-Vasquez, Mancera, & Mata, 2016;Moya, Chavez-Baray, & Martinez, 2014), but few studies have addressed IPV perpetration factors among MMO. In the United States, IPV affects many females, particularly women of color.…”

Bridging the gap between research and practice by strengthening academic-community partnerships for violence research.

“…Despite the potential for CBPR to advance the study of violence and inform the development of strengths-based interventions, there are few applications of CBPR in the field compared with uses of nonparticipatory research methods. Existing applications of CBPR focus on violence measurement development (Hausman et al, 2013;White, Yuan, Cook, & Abbey, 2013), diverse populations (Falconier et al, 2013;Moya, Chávez-Baray, & Martinez, 2014;Nicolaidis et al, 2010;Scott et al, 2013;Shoultz, Magnussen, Manzano, Arias, & Spencer, 2010), youth violence prevention (Le et al, 2011;Leff et al, 2010;Snider, Kirst, Abubakar, Ahmad, & Nathens, 2010), and faith-based interventions (Kataoka et al, 2006). The body of CBPR literature on resilience is even smaller, and mostly limited to indigenous populations (Goodkind, LaNoue, Lee, Freeland, & Freund, 2012;Mohatt et al, 2008;Tsey et al, 2007).…”