Clinical
Intimate Partner Violence Affecting Latina Women and Their Children

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Family Health Issue

IPV has been shown to have detrimental effects on the mental health of the abused woman. A study by Caetano and Cunradi14 reported that Latinas experiencing IPV had a higher prevalence of major depressive disorder (38%) than Anglo-American (20%) or African-American women (30%). A more recent study by Hazen et al15 concluded that Latina victimization by IPV increases the risk of mental health problems, such as depression, somatization, hostility, and phobic anxiety. Fedovskiy et al16 found that

Contextual Factors That Influence IPV

It is important to review familial factors that influence the exposure of Latina women and their children to IPV. Of particular interest are Latino immigrants because of their increasing residence in the United States and certain traditional values that may make them susceptible to IPV. Descriptions of traditional Latin cultures are frequently regarded as stereotypes, but there is general agreement about family values and gender roles among Latin cultures.12 For example, in traditional Latino

Implications for Nursing Practice

Emergency nurses have a professional responsibility to assess for family violence. A growing number of professional organizations now advocate for universal screening for IPV.28, 29, 30 However, evidence suggests that adherence to universal screening recommendations is low.28 Renker and Tonkin31 noted that reported screening rates generally vary from 1.5% to 39%, depending on the clinical area. Provider beliefs that serve as barriers to universal screening include the following: (1) the

Conclusion

IPV is a major health concern, and it is inevitable that every nurse will experience its implications at some point in his or her career. This type of abuse has far-reaching effects on the social, psychological, and physical health of children who are witnesses to this familial violence. Cultures that strictly differentiate between gender roles and maintain values of male control over women are believed to promote an environment that creates an increased risk of spousal abuse. Nurses must

Roxanne Amerson is Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC.

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  • Cited by (10)

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    Roxanne Amerson is Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC.

    Rebecca Whittington is Staff Nurse, Self Regional Healthcare, Greenwood, SC.

    Lisa Duggan is Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC.

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