Intimate Partner Violence and its Resolution among Mexican Americans

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects the mental and physical health of Mexican women in the United States, and culture is thought to play a role in its prevention and resolution. Qualitative investigations are ideal for explicating context-specific aspects of these phenomena. Thus, a systematic review of 19 primary qualitative research reports was conducted to clearly articulate the process of IPV and its resolution among Mexican American women. Based on the findings, IPV is fueled by aspects of Mexican culture, and barriers exist that make its resolution challenging. Despite attempts to nurture themselves, abuse becomes intolerable, and women eventually reach out for help. Immigration, legal, criminal justice, and social service personnel assist Mexican American women to resolve IPV. In addition, health care providers play an integral role in broaching the topic, establishing trust, and providing key information to women and members of the Mexican American community at large.