Domestic Violence Against Latinas by Latino Males: An Analysis of Race, National Origin, and Gender Differentials

Abstract

Cultural and racial differences must be central considerations to any strategy in the domestic violence movement. Latinas face multiple barriers because of their race, national origin, and gender, affecting how they experience and respond to domestic violence. This Article examines the various factors that are unique to the political, social an economic status of Latinas, drawing on statistics, demographic data, common representations and caricatures of Latinas and Latinos, and Latinas' own descriptions of violence. The Article employs critical race feminism to critique the most significant efforts currently within the legal and social service sectors to assist battered women. It challenges legislators and law enforcement officials to consider the different experiences and realities of women of color when designing effective law enforcement for violence between intimate partners, and to implement social service programs that meet the specific needs of battered Latina women. Language barriers and the historical experiences of Latinos and Latinas in the United States and recent immigrants' experiences in their countries of national origin, are also discussed as important considerations for designing legislative and judicial responses to interpersonal violence in the Latino community.

Keywords: latinas, latinos, hispanics domestic violence, battered women, critical race feminism,national origin, ethnicity, language