Long-term impact of the Sí, Yo Puedo curriculum and empowerment program on immigrant Latinas: follow-up groups at a police department

Abstract

ABSTRACT Immigrant Latinas (IL) experiencing incidences of intimate partner violence (IPV) require services from police departments. This study builds upon a previously mixed-method study conducted at a police department between 2015 and 2018 in the US. Thirty-three IL participated in five educational groups (ns = 7, 7, 6, 6, 7) in a culturally specific curriculum and program, Sí, Yo Puedo, designed to foster self-esteem and provide education on IPV and healthy relationships. Two follow-up groups (ns = 8, 5) were conducted in December 2020 to assess IL’s experiences post completion of the Si, Yo Puedo empowerment program. Content analysis was the method employed to review the data and generate themes of the participants experiences. Participants’ qualitative responses included positive feelings of increased confidence and self-esteem, and reports of learning about legal rights and the dynamics of IPV. Findings implicate this curriculum as a service tool for police departments working with this population.