Predictors of Violence and Lethality Among Latina Immigrants: Implications for Assessment and Treatment

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among Latinos is related to economic problems, acculturation stress, alcohol use, impulsivity, and trauma. Little is known of the role of abusive tactics to explain more severe acts of violence. This study, conducted with 73 Latina victims, aims to describe the role of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse on the escalation of violence, and find indicators to predict severe IPV and lethality. Analyses included bivariate correlations, multiple regressions, and analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Results indicate that emotional IPV is the gateway to more severe abuse (physical and sexual). Victims of sexual abuse are at higher risk. Victims' fear of a partner is a useful indicator to assess the severity of IPV and the risk of lethality. KEYWORDS: alcoholimpulsivitychild abuseviolencelethality This study was partially funded by the Center for Hispanic Policy Research and Development (New Jersey Department of Community Affairs). The study would not have been possible without the support of key organizations like Womanspace Inc., YMCA/Latinas Unidas, Mercer County Hispanic Association (MECHA), and Catholic Charities—El Centro de Recursos Para Familias. Special thanks to Patricia Hart, Isabel Martinez, Francis Blanco, Maritza I. Raimundi, Rosa Ortega, Juliana David, and Roberto Hernández, and particularly to all the Latino women who participated in the study and trusted the research team by sharing their painful experiences and valuable time.