Barriers to and Methods of Help Seeking for Domestic Violence Victimization: A Comparison of Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Women Residing in the United States

Violence Against Women. 2018 Dec;24(15):1810-1829. doi: 10.1177/1077801218754409. Epub 2018 Feb 6.

Abstract

This study examined strategies Hispanic and non-Hispanic White victims of domestic violence use to manage violence and leave their relationships. Participants ( N = 76, 41% Hispanic) completed self-report questionnaires and a semistructured interview with a language-congruent research assistant. Hispanics reported child care needs and fears of social embarrassment as barriers to leaving, while non-Hispanic Whites reported fewer social supports as a barrier. Hispanics were more likely to use legal resources for help, while non-Hispanic Whites used more informal resources. Recognizing unique barriers to leaving abusive relationships and accessing help can guide service providers and others to target vulnerable populations more effectively.

Keywords: Hispanic; Latina; domestic violence; help seeking; service utilization.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Crime Victims / psychology*
  • Domestic Violence / psychology*
  • Female
  • Help-Seeking Behavior*
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Race Factors
  • Social Support
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • White People / psychology
  • White People / statistics & numerical data