Introduction
Domestic violence (DV) is a phenomenon that affects countless women
worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2024), approximately
30% of women experience DV. The role of cultural perceptions is significant in shaping
how Latina women—and other cultural groups—understand and respond to domestic
violence. Research indicates that cultural influences can normalize DV, making it crucial
to explore these factors and their consequences for victims.
The Role of Cultural Perceptions and Gender Roles
Social psychologist Hofstede (1998) established a connection between the labels
of “masculinity” and “femininity” and how these labels impact on worldviews. In my study
of cultural perceptions, gender roles were found to influence relational patterns and
generational transmission, affecting how Latina women comprehend domestic violence.
The labeling of gender concepts may contribute to divisions between the sexes, leading
to decreased disclosure and increased fear of reporting DV. While culture can positively
impact daily life, beliefs, traditions, and values it may also hinder victims from seeking
help, beginning treatment, or healing.
Impact of Negative Cultural Perceptions
Domestic violence is frequently discussed in mental health literature; however,
there is a lack of highlighting the importance of understanding how negative cultural
perceptions affect women’s interpretations of traumatic events. Exploration of cultural
perceptions can help victims or survivors seek help, process their experiences, and
describe traumatic events more realistically. Cultural elements, as noted by Reina et al.
(2014), may promote help-seeking behaviors and disclosure, but many Latina women’s
values, beliefs, and traditions impede them from obtaining assistance and negatively
shape their understanding of DV. This dynamic is relevant to non-Hispanic women as
well. Questions arise regarding how different cultures perceive DV: Is it accepted? What
values underpin these views? Is there siding with the perpetrators? Shame is also a
critical barrier, as many women reported in the study.
Reasons for Staying in Abusive Relationships
Another key cultural aspect is understanding why many women remain in
abusive relationships. My study found participants stayed due to concerns like rent,
wanting children raised by both parents, and safety concerns when leaving. Upbringing
was also linked to both men’s behavior and women’s decisions to stay with abusive
partners.
Conclusion
Society must strive to differentiate between culturally positive traditions and those
that no longer promote well-being. Domestic violence and intimate partner violence
affect not only women, but entire family systems, including children who may be at risk.
References:
Hofstede, G. (1998). Masculinity and femininity: The taboo dimensions of national
cultures. Sage Publications.
Reina, A. S., Lohman, B. J., & Maldonado, M. M. (2014). “He said they’d deport me”:
Factors influencing domestic violence help-seeking practices among Latina
immigrants. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, vol 29(4), 593-615.
https://doi.org/1177/0886260513505214
World Health Organization. (2024, March 25). Violence against women.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women
WAC 