Violence against women. Examining ethnic differences and commonalities

Ethnic differences and commonalities rarely have been the focus of community-based research on violence against women. The few existing studies typically used survey instruments developed on and used with Anglos and simply applied them to members of other ethnic groups. The proposed conceptual framework is based on a review of the published literature and on information gleaned from focus groups conducted with women and men from four ethnic groups (Black, White, Asian, and Latino). Ethnicity and culture--along with broad social factors and institutions, gender role definitions, kin and friendship networks, and individual life-course factors--influence what behaviors are acceptable in an intimate relationship. The intersection of gender and ethnicity is hypothesized to influence the options that a woman perceives, the help she seeks, and the nature and scope of violence she experiences in an intimate relationship. Observations relevant to research, policy, and service provision are offered.