Factors Contributing to Latina Intimate Partner Violence Survivors’ Initial and Continued Engagement With Law Enforcement: A Qualitative Analysis

This study explores barriers and facilitators to initial and continued engagement with law enforcement (LE) among Latina survivors of intimate partner violence. Semi-structured interviews with survivors ( N = 40) were analyzed via qualitative case analysis. Participants with no LE engagement ( n = 7) anticipated negative consequences and lacked encouragement to report from informal supports. Participants who contacted LE but disengaged ( n = 18) experienced systemic hurdles to continued engagement, negative responses from LE, and personal risks. Participants who continued engagement ( n = 15) received mixed responses from informal supports and more positive responses from LE. Positive interactions with LE facilitated continued engagement even when informal support was lacking.