Comparing Domestic Violence Resources in the Southeast and Southwest for Women of Latin American Origin or Descent

Domestic violence is a public health issue that affects women of all races and ethnicities. However, women of Latin American origin or descent in the United States are more likely to experience severe negative consequences of domestic violence, such as increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, depression and PTSD (Da Silva) and face unique obstacles when dealing with domestic violence like language barriers, immigration status, cultural factors and knowledge and access of resources.The population of those that are of Latin American origin or descent is not only increasing in the United States, but there is also an increase in migration of those that are of Latin American origin or descent to areas outside traditional settlement areas. Latinx is a gender-neutral term for those of Latin American origin and descent, referring to any person of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Central or South American or other Spanish origin or culture regardless of race (US Census Bureau, n.d) and will be used to refer to this population. People of Latin American origin or descent most commonly identify by their country of origin, however, since this research looks at those from several countries, including Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America the term Latinx will be used (Kaur, 2020). When referring to women of Latin American origin or descent, the term Latina will be used. Since the 1990s, there has been an increase of Latinx migration to the Southeast. The purpose of this research is to compare and contrast what types of resources are available for Latinas in new settlement areas (Southeast) and traditional settlement areas (Southwest) who face domestic violence. Surveys and interviews were conducted with domestic violence organizations in the Southwest and Southeast and asked about resources and their capacity to help Latina victims. The Southeast needs more resources to meet the needs of Latina victims, including more bilingual staff. Negative interactions with law enforcement create situations where domestic violence calls and help for Latina victims aren’t taken seriously. Both the Southwest and Southeast can benefit from more legal services for immigration issues and location can have a negative effect on what resources are available in the Southwest and Southeast. With an increase in migration to the Southeast, it is important that the area has the resources to meet the needs of Latinas experiencing domestic violence. By not providing services that meet the needs of Latinas, these new settlement areas are not welcoming the integration of this population into the community. Without resources that meet the needs of Latinas, these new settlement areas are creating environments where domestic violence can thrive and go unreported. Key words: Domestic violence, Latinas, Latinx, traditional settlement areas, new settlement areas, Southeast, Southwes