1. Texas Advocacy Project
Domestic Violence and the Hispanic Community: Cultural Competency, Victimology & Advocacy
Briefly review the concept of “Gender” and the social consequences
The intersection of HIV/AIDS and gender violence
Men as the missing link! To create social change.
Gender violence is a global issue!
Jose Juan Lara, Jr., MA
Texas Advocacy Project
Austin
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2. How many of you here consider yourself prejudice?
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3. Definition Of Culture disability status race immigration status
education
geographic location (space)
rural, urban,
time, or
other axes of identification
within the historical context of oppression
race
ethnicity
national origin
sexuality
gender
religion
age
class
A critical definition of culture refers to shared experiences or commonalities that have developed and continue to evolve in relation to changing social and political contexts, based on:
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4. Hispanic Latino Is there a difference…?
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5. Hispanic
USA Official use of the term Hispanic has its origins in the 1970 United States Census. The Census Bureau attempted to identify all Hispanics by use of the following criteria in sampled sets:
Spanish speakers and persons belonging to a household where Spanish was spoken
Persons with Spanish heritage by birth location
Persons who self-identify with Spanish ancestry or descent
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6. Latino
Since its official adoption in 1997, the definition and usage of the term by the Federal Government is strictly as an ethnic, as opposed to racial, identifier, used together with the term Hispanic.
Authorities of American English maintain a distinction between the terms Hispanic and Latino. Latino is not officially used as a racial label, as a 'Latino' or 'Latin American' can be of any race.
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7. Can someone define family violence?
Social and legal definition
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8. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

9. TEXAS FAMILY CODE
“FAMILY” includes blood relatives or relatives by marriage, former spouses parents (married or not) of the same child, foster parents and foster children, or any member or former members of a household (people living in the same house, related or not) Texas Family Code
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10. TEXAS FAMILY CODE
“FAMILY VIOLENCE” means: an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or house hold that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, but DOES NOT INCLUDE DEFENSIVE MEASURES TO PROTECT ONESELF Texas Family Code
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11. TEXAS FAMILY CODE
“DATING VIOLENCE” means: an act by an individual that is against another individual with whom that person has or has had a dating relationship and that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonable places the individual in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault, but DOES NOT INCLUDE DEFENSIVE MEASURES TO PROTECT ONESELF Texas Family Code
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12. TEXAS FAMILY CODE
“DATING RELATIONSHIP” means: a relationship between individuals who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. Factors for the court to consider include the length and nature of the relationship as well as the frequency and type of interaction between individuals. A casual acquaintanceship or “ordinary fraternization” is excluded Texas Family Code
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13. Texas Statistics on Abuse
77% of all Hispanic Texans indicate that either themselves, a family member and/or a friend have experienced some form of domestic violence.
40% of Hispanic Texans who reported experiencing at least one form of domestic violence took no action.
The TCFV survey over-sampled the Texas Hispanic population to account for any insight specific to the Hispanic community on domestic violence. Below are some highlights of the findings:
Indicating that approximately 5.2 million Hispanic Texans are personally affected by the epidemic of domestic violence. If the current prevalence rates remain the same, by the year 2030, more than 12.2 million Hispanic Texans could be personally affected by domestic violence.
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14. Texas Statistics on Abuse
50% of all Hispanic Texans believe domestic violence is caused by circumstances beyond the batterers control showing that the Hispanic Texas community needs more information on domestic violence.
82% of all Hispanic Texans believe that it is never appropriate to stay in an abusive relationship, yet 46% acknowledge that leaving an abusive relationship can be more dangerous than staying.
The TCFV survey over-sampled the Texas Hispanic population to account for any insight specific to the Hispanic community on domestic violence. Below are some highlights of the findings:
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15. Texas Statistics on Abuse
83% of all Hispanic Texans agree that a husband who abuses his wife is more likely to also abuse his children; yet only 47% indicate a belief that domestic violence passes from generation to generation.
Hispanic Texans, like the general population, have both a limited definition of domestic violence and have a willingness to blame victims for the abuse they suffer.
The TCFV survey over-sampled the Texas Hispanic population to account for any insight specific to the Hispanic community on domestic violence. Below are some highlights of the findings:
2 out of 5 Hispanic Texas females (39%) reported experience severe abuse.
1 out of 5 Hispanic Texas females (18%) reported being forced to have sex against their will.
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16. Traditional Sex Roles
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17. Marianismo
idealizes women as the custodians of virtue, piety, morality, and spirituality; from Maria, or Mary, the Virgin Mother of God in the Catholic tradition
Traditionally, this feminine code was linked with machismo and precluded women from independent life beyond their duties as wives and mothers.*
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18. La Hembra is sexually innocent (virgin at marriage)
is subservient to men
works primarily in the home
is the caretaker of her (many) children
is modest in dress & behavior
avoids alcohol and tobacco
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19. Traditional Hispanic Culture Does Not Support>>
Female Independence
Single Lifestyle
Career-mindedness
Criticism of male partner (even for infidelity, gambling, verbal or physical abuse, drug or alcohol use)
Asking for help
Discussion of personal problems outside the home.
Self-indulgence
Outside help with the children
Sexuality as pleasurable for mothers
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20. Machismo
a cultural ideal that exalts male virility, superiority and control, especially over women
it has been the ideological basis of male-female relations in Latin America for centuries but is now widely questioned .
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21. El Valiente Is physically strong.
Is able to handle large amounts of alcohol.
Has many sexual relations with women.
Takes pride in being the primary breadwinner.
Is physically/verbally violent with women.
Shows little empathy.
Has many children (takes particular pride in having boys).
Is fearless.
Expects that others (especially women) serve him hand and foot.
While "macho" has traditionally been associated with Mexican or Latino culture, the word has recently been incorporated into American popular culture, so much so that it is now widely used to describe everything from rock stars and male sex symbols in television and film to burritos. When applied to entertainers, athletes, or other "superstars," the implied meaning is clearly a positive one that connotes strength, virility, masculinity, and sex appeal. But when applied-to Mexicans or Latinos, "macho" remains imbued with such negative attributes as male dominance, patriarchy, authoritarianism, and spousal abuse. Although both meanings connote strength and power, the Anglo macho is clearly a much more positive and appealing symbol of manhood and masculinity. In short, under current usage the Mexican macho oppresses and coerces women, whereas his Anglo counterpart appears to attract and seduce them.
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22. Hispanic Cultural Influences
Family Unity (familismo)- respect and loyalty to family. Family first.
Stoic Attitudes- problems should be endured with courage and dignity
Gender roles- abnegation (mother), responsibility and authority (father), obedience (children).
Religious views- enduring suffering as a moral test from God
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23. Traditional Roles & Family Violence
Priority is a sense of duty and concern for her children
Judged harshly by extended family for taking action – punishing her husband through legal system
Seeking help is airing the families – an act of disloyalty
Fear of not fulfilling family’s expectations
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24. Traditional Roles & Family Violence
Personal relationships take priority over professional or institutional ones
Latinos are less likely to place their trust in an organization
Latinos are often more formal in their initial interactions with people who are not friends or family
It is crucial to maintain consistency to establish trust
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25. Why Remain? The value of community over individualism
The cultural acceptance of male domination encourages the battered woman aguantar (put up with it, endure it) the relationship.
Economic dependence on the abuser
Immigration status
Limited availability of bi-lingual social services and law enforcement and court services
Weak extended family relationships
Lack of language skills, education and job training
Belief that it is better for the children if they have both parents together
Fear that the abuser will retaliate and make good on his threats usually to harm the children or even commit suicide
Feelings of gratitude toward her abuser for bringing her to this country and for supporting her and the children and she has no other place to go
Realistically, a battered immigrant woman may have no place to go and may have no alternative except to stay with the batterer. Women of color (Latino, African American, Asian) are more likely to stay in abusive relationships for cultural, social or economic reasons. Cultural values that may influence a Mexican woman to stay in an abusive relationship are:
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26. Barriers for Clients
How can our understanding or lack of understanding of our client’s background be a barrier?
How is OUR culture a barrier for clients?
What are the issues that we have to consider?
What did we learn from the exercise?
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27. The Million Dollar Question
I see the barriers for clients and the true dynamics of culture, now what can I do?
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28. The simple answer with the not-so-simple process
Increase your cultural competency
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29. Intersectionality
People live multi-layered lives derived from social relations, history and the operation of the structures of power.
Expose all types of discrimination that occur as a consequence of the combination.
No categorizing people, no single form of discrimination – exposes full range of vulnerabilities as it links all structures of oppressions.
Culture is not a one, two, or three dimensional concept. It is multifaceted, multilayered, and the different facets of culture intersects in may different ways. Due to this our clients can not be slotted into one category and only be exposed to discrimination that pertains to that category. Look at Maya, what were the different forms of discrimination that oppression that she was subjected to?
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30. So, what does this mean?
In what ways does this understanding of culture affect our work?
Who are you
Who is the victim
How do you see the victim as they see you
What is the context of your work and the principles that guide it
How do all these come together
Cultural competency is getting a clear understanding of not only the client’s perspective, which is very important, but how it relates to you, the environment or context that you’re working in, and the perceptions that you and your client have of each other.
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31. Myths About Cultural Competence
Myth # 1: There are too many cultures. I cannot possibly learn what I need to know about all of them.
learns to recognize and reject his or her preexisting beliefs about a culture
focuses on understanding information provided by individuals within the context at hand (e.g., victims, witnesses, etc.)
foregoes the temptation to classify or label persons with cultural names
Cultural competence does not mean learning as many "characteristics" as possible about every culture. In fact, to the contrary, the process of cultural competence means that a person
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32. Myth # 2: I have examined my preconceptions about the various cultures in my jurisdiction, changed some of my thoughts, and now feel culturally competent to deal with people who might appear in court.
Cultural competence is not a one-time, finite achievement. It is a process that is applied in every case (usually many times)
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33. Myth # 3: As a person of color, I know what it means to be culturally sensitive. I don't need any special training on how to practice cultural competence.
Different levels of awareness and sensitivity about his or her own and other cultures.
Every human being holds preconceptions about "different" cultures [and] must use some kind of deliberate, analytical process to examine cultural misinformation and strive for cultural competence.
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34. Culturally Competent Assumptions
All cultures are contradictory (both oppressive and nurturing)
Each victim is not only a member of her/his community, but a unique individual with their own responses and shaped by multiple factors.
Each individual comes into any encounter with cultural experiences and perspectives that might differ from those present in the system.
All institutions have to develop specific policies and procedures to systematically build cultural competence.
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35. Survivor and Recovery Process Accessibility Issues Sexual Identity
Language, Knowledge, Physical, Sexual and Cultural Differences in Mainstream Social Service Agencies
Language Barriers
Food Preferences
Privacy Concerns
Survivor and Recovery Process
Accessibility Issues
Sexual Identity
Limited knowledge of Victim Legal Rights and/or Protections
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36. Lack of Resources Lack of a support system leads to isolation
Lack of economic resources
Lack of transportation
Lack of language appropriate resources
Lack of (sufficient) legal aid
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37. Three Strategies to Overcome Cultural Barriers
1. Partner with specialists.
2. Use cultural mediators.
3. Find practical resources.
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38. Partnering with specialists
Ethnic organizations.
Community Based Organizations that serve vulnerable populations.
Justice networks that include minorities.
Local advocates, nonprofits and leaders.
Communities of faith: churches, mosques, temples, synagogues…
Specialized national or regional nonprofits.
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39. CULTURAL MEDIATORS Trained interpreters. Community liaisons.
Staff with community connections to underserved populations.
Outreach specialists, promotoras.
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40. RESOURCES OVC website Multiethnic or multilingual posters
Internet resources
Ethnic or community “profiles” (most are free)
Monolingual or bilingual client/victim education brochures, guides, booklets
Books and articles by specialized nonprofits, researchers and advocates
Ethnic organizations’ libraries
Contact the trainer for a free listing of resources.
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41. Equal treatment does not mean equal justice.
One of the primary problems with the criminal (and civil) justice systems is a lack of education about victimization issues and laws.
Understand the historical distrust of the legal system among certain minority groups.
Be aware that victims may not trust in the government depending on their experience in their native country.
Clients often do not know that battering is a criminal offense in the United States, nor are they aware of social services.
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42. Why Should We Care? LEGAL ISSUES Title VI, Civil Rights Act
Executive Order 13166
ADA
Victim Bill of Rights
VAWA
Other access laws
OUTCOMES for victims
Unequal access to victim services
Discrimination
Fear to seek help
Illness, trauma
Repeated abuse
Death (domestic violence)
The history of our judicial system is filled with examples of sexism, racism, classism, heterosexism, homophobia, and all other forms of oppression which contributes to mistrust of the system among certain minority groups.
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43. What is the victim’s perspective?
How does he/she sees you?
How do you see him/her as he/she sees you?
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44. Legal Advocacy
Recognize the importance of establishing trust with your client.
Let victims know of all legal remedies.
Provide all information in writing if possible.
Even if victims refuse to cooperate with police or other service providers, use every encounter to provide information on the law and available services.
Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

45. Legal Advocacy
For many populations, law enforcement may be seen as “the enemy.”
Victims may have their own stereotypes about police.
State clearly that you are there to help.
Immigration victims may think police and Immigration are the same or will deport them.
One insensitive reaction may deter the victim from seeking services or pursuing justice.
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46. To request a training:
Jose Juan Lara, Jr., M.A. Director of Advocacy & Training Texas Advocacy Project, Inc
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47. Web Resources
The National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute
National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence
UNA VIDA SIN VIOLENCIA ES UN DERECHO NUESTRO CAMPAÑA  DE LAS AGENCIAS DE LAS NACIONES UNIDAS EN LATINOAMERICA Y EL CARIBE POR LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS DE LA MUJER
Machos Sensitivos
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48. Men’s Nonviolence Project http://www.mensnonviolence.org/1/Home.html
Web Resources
Men’s Nonviolence Project
Men’s Resource Center of South Texas
Children’s Book Press
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49. Reference
Katz, J., (2006). The Macho Paradox: Why Some Men Hurt Women and How All Men Can Help. Naperville, Il: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Kimmel, M. S., (2000). The Gendered Society. New York, NY: Oxford University Press
Machismo & Marianismo: Traditional Sex Roles. Retrieved May 3, 2007 from:
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50. Resources
Texas Association of Judiciary Interpreters & Translators
Catholic Charities
YMCA of Greater Houston
Saheli
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