Citation

Zarza MJ, Ponsoda V, Carrillo R. J. Aggression Maltreat. Trauma 2009; 18(1): 1-16.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10926770802616423

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among Latinos is related to economic problems, acculturation stress, alcohol use, impulsivity, and trauma. Little is known of the role of abusive tactics to explain more severe acts of violence. This study, conducted with 73 Latina victims, aims to describe the role of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse on the escalation of violence, and find indicators to predict severe IPV and lethality. Analyses included bivariate correlations, multiple regressions, and analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Results indicate that emotional IPV is the gateway to more severe abuse (physical and sexual). Victims of sexual abuse are at higher risk. Victims' fear of a partner is a useful indicator to assess the severity of IPV and the risk of lethality.