Te invito

Exercise 3: Finding resources

Just a week after attending the group, I was watching TV and saw a commercial in which several Latino men were discussing domestic violence in Spanish. I couldn’t believe it! At the end of the commercial, there was a telephone number to call and learn more information.

The next day, I called the number, and an organization for victims of domestic abuse answered. When I mentioned the commercial, they told me that a group of Latino men gathered weekly to organize against violence. They gave me the information, and I promptly attended the group the following Saturday.

What a difference from Jack’s group! To begin with, they had Latino food for everyone. At the beginning, we ate together and talked about everything except violence. Everyone welcomed me very warmly. Once we finished eating, they asked what brought me to the group, and I began to tell them Jorge’s story. They immediately understood my dilemma, and no one suggested I call the police. Two of the men told me that they also had family members in the same situation, while yet another shared with me that he used to abuse his own partner a few years prior.

They told me it’s very important that I talk with Jorge, although it wasn’t going to be easy. They advised me to invite him to dinner in a public place, and, if possible, bring another family member as support. They said I should begin by expressing my love and concern for his well-being and for his family. One of the men told me that what worked in his brother’s case was sharing information about the damage caused to children who witness violence. He even gave me a brochure in Spanish and English on the subject and a list of resources for Blanca and the children. At the end of the meeting, all the men offered to talk directly to Jorge and suggested I invite him to participate in the group. I left feeling hopeful and, above all, supported.

Questions for reflection

1. How is the reaction of the Latino group different from that of Jack’s group?

    

2. In what manner does this group use the Latin@ cultural values?

    

3. Do you think that Jack’s group could learn something from the Latino group?

    

4. How should the facilitators prepare to deal with cultural issues in groups with participants of diverse cultures?

    

5. If you were Freddy, how would you respond to a situation similar to Jorge’s? Would you follow the same steps or have a different response?