Citation

Valdovinos MG, Mechanic MB. J. Ethn. Cult. Divers. Soc. Work 2017; 26(4): 326-345.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15313204.2017.1300437

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) has been relatively understudied particularly from the perspective of women of color. This study documents the experiences with partner sexual violence of ten Mexican-American women. Qualitative interviews were conducted using snowball sampling with women that had been in abusive marital relationships. A phenomenological approach was used and through a thematic analysis, participant narrative responses were synthesized into themes. All participants reported sexual coercion and violence in their marriages, yet most did not label those experiences as "rape" despite the threatening context in which these incidents occurred. Tacit, but not always explicit acceptance of machismo, patriarchy, and male dominance were common themes possibly increasing IPV risk.

RESULTS highlight the complex interaction between upholding cultural values on the one hand, and preserving individual well-being and safety, on the other, underscoring the need for more extensive culturally sensitive research, prevention and intervention efforts for abused Mexican-American women

Language: en

Keywords

rape; diversity; Intimate partner sexual violence; Latinas; machismo; marianismo; marital violence; sexual coercion