Immigrant Latinx men’s perspectives on domestic violence

Abstract

ABSTRACT Historically, most practice-informed research and research-informed practice have focused on domestic violence (DV) victimization. These explanations are often preferred by practitioners, advocates, and policymakers due to their straightforwardness and simplicity. However, an understanding of DV perpetration is enhanced when we look through the multiple lenses of culture and society, relationship, and gender. The objective of this exploratory research is to document the beliefs and experiences of nine immigrant Latino men regarding domestic violence. The study employed descriptive phenomenology to gain a deeper understanding of participants’ lived experiences from their perspectives and in their words. An integrated, ecological framework guided the contributions of culture, relationships, and personal characteristics when understanding the Latino men’s beliefs and experiences of DV. The patriarchal gender roles of “machismo” and domination are common themes. Participants discuss the conflicts of immigrants operating their gendered roles in a country which has laws against physical enforcement of these roles. The participants recommend those who encounter Latinx DV consider three key factors: (1) socialization of male children and young men, (2) dignity and worth of young girls and women, and (3) clear communication, respect, and mutual understanding between spouses and extended family members.