Contexts of Violence Victimization and Service-Seeking Among Latino/a/x Immigrant Adults in the United States: A Qualitative Study

In the United States (US), Latino/a/x immigrants are particularly vulnerable to discrimination and violence, which are associated with host of negative physical and mental health consequences. Despite this, Latino/a/x immigrants may have limited access to resources and services to prevent and address its impacts. In-depth interviews (IDI; n= 17) and one focus group discussion (FGD; n=5) were conducted among a maximum variation sample of adult Latino/a/x immigrants living in Maryland, following semi-structured guides to explore experiences of discrimination and violence, their impact on health, and barriers and facilitators to help-seeking. Experiences of discrimination and violence victimization were diverse in type and severity. Many women and one gender non-binary participant described experiences of intimate partner violence as well workplace violence. Men frequently described violence that occurred in the community and workplace. Nearly all participants reported workplace discrimination. Lack of legal documentation, experiences of impunity in country of origin and lack of knowledge of the US legal system presented barriers, while peers, social groups, and bystanders facilitated violence reporting and help-seeking. Results highlight clear opportunities to prevent and respond to violence through improved availability or accessibility of information, as well as expansion or adaptation of existing services across sectors.

Note:

Funding Information: This research was supported by a grant from the Bloomberg American Health Initiative at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Declaration of Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethics Approval Statement: This study was reviewed and approved by the [Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Institutional Review Board.] Institutional Review Board (IRB). All study personnel were trained in human subjects’ protection, interviewing techniques, working with distressed participants, and identifying and managing vicarious trauma before the start of implementation.

Keywords: Immigration, Latino, Latina, Latinx, discrimination, violence

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Bevilacqua, Kristin Grace and Arciniegas, Sarah and Page, Kathleen and Steinberg, Anne K. and Stellmann, Julie and Flores-Miller, Alejandra and Wirtz, Andrea L., Contexts of Violence Victimization and Service-Seeking Among Latino/a/x Immigrant Adults in the United States: A Qualitative Study. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4217709