Abstract
Domestic violence (DV) is a global human rights issue affecting all women regardless of race or culture (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). Immigrant Latina survivors of DV represent a heterogeneous group that experience not only violence in the home but also multiple ecological stressors deeply influenced by oppressive forces, including gender (Pessar & Mahler, 2003). Because partner violence almost never occurs in isolation, many immigrant Latina survivors simultaneously cope with difficulties arising from sexism, acculturation, racism, discrimination, immigration enforcement policies and limited access to resources. Moreover, immigrant Latinas exist within gendered systems of power that influence and interact with intersecting identities of sexuality, nationality, social class and more (Pessar & Mahler, 2003). Notably, immigrant Latina survivors often demonstrate significant strength and fortitude in coping with tremendous stress in which partner violence is only one aspect of their lives (Kofman, Phizacklea, Raghuram & Sales, 2000; Perilla, Serrata, Weinberg & Lippy, 2012). The purpose of this study is to extend research on immigrant Latina/o communities and domestic violence by highlighting the strengths and leadership abilities of a group of immigrant Latina survivors of DV.
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© 2015 Josephine V. Serrata , R. Lillianne Macias, Alvina Rosales, Rebecca Rodriguez and Julia L. Perilla
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Serrata, J.V., Macias, R.L., Rosales, A., Rodriguez, R., Perilla, J.L. (2015). A Study of Immigrant Latina Survivors of Domestic Violence: Becoming Líderes Comunitarias (Community Leaders). In: Espín, O.M., Dottolo, A.L. (eds) Gendered Journeys: Women, Migration and Feminist Psychology. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137521477_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137521477_10
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