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 Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

How many of you here consider yourself prejudice? Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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: Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

Hispanic Latino Is there a difference…? Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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 Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

Can someone define family violence? Social and legal definition Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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). 71.003 Texas Family Code Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. 71.004 Texas Family Code Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. 71.0021 Texas Family Code Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. 71.0021 Texas Family Code Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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: Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

Traditional Sex Roles Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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.* Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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 Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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 Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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 . Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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 Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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 Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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 Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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: Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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? Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

The Million Dollar Question I see the barriers for clients and the true dynamics of culture, now what can I do? Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

The simple answer with the not-so-simple process Increase your cultural competency Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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? Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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 Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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) Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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 Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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 Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

Three Strategies to Overcome Cultural Barriers 1. Partner with specialists. 2. Use cultural mediators. 3. Find practical resources. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

CULTURAL MEDIATORS Trained interpreters. Community liaisons. Staff with community connections to underserved populations. Outreach specialists, promotoras. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

What is the victim’s perspective? How does he/she sees you? How do you see him/her as he/she sees you? Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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

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. Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

To request a training: Jose Juan Lara, Jr., M.A. Director of Advocacy & Training Texas Advocacy Project, Inc. jlara@texasadvocacyproject.org 512.225.9573 Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

Web Resources The National Latino Fatherhood and Family Institute http://www.nlffi.org/ National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence http://www.dvalianza.org/ 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 http://www.undp.org/rblac/gender/campaign-spanish/index.html Machos Sensitivos http://www.samcranford.com/machos/index.html Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

Men’s Nonviolence Project http://www.mensnonviolence.org/1/Home.html Web Resources Men’s Nonviolence Project http://www.mensnonviolence.org/1/Home.html Men’s Resource Center of South Texas http://www.mrcofsouthtexas.org/ Children’s Book Press http://www.childrensbookpress.org/ob/fp.html Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

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: http://www.nic.edu/englang/jelider/templates/machismo%20marianismo.htm Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007

Resources Texas Association of Judiciary Interpreters & Translators www.tajit.org Catholic Charities www.catholiccharities.org YMCA of Greater Houston www.ymcahouston.org Saheli www.saheli-austin.org Headstart Fatherhood Conference May 5, 2007