The right to know, women, ethnicity, violence and learning about the law

grantor: University of TorontoThis study has examined the use of education and learning strategies in the delivery of legal services for Spanish speaking immigrant women who have experienced domestic abuse. The study reviews literature on immigrant women, domestic abuse, and poverty law, specifically focusing on the dynamics of power and control in the lawyer/client relationship. The study used feminist participatory research working in partnership with the Women's Program of the Centre for Spanish Speaking Peoples in Toronto, Canada. The specific goals of the study were: (1) to identify the legal education and information needs of Spanish-speaking immigrant women who have experienced domestic violence; and (2) to determine how best to address these needs with consideration for particular factors which could impede learning: the social location of the women, pedagogy, the role of the legal profession, and the impact of trauma on learning. The results show that most of the women learned very little through their legal situations, but that they believe legal information and legal education, that incorporates their experiences, are essential. The women clearly articulated their learning needs. The results of the research are now being used in the second phase of the project to develop and implement a program to address the women's needs.Ph.D