New research on intimate partner homicide of Latinas

From 2021-2022, Esperanza United partnered with culturally specific domestic violence organizations across the United States to grow our understanding of how intimate partner violence (IPV) can lead to intimate partner homicide (IPH). Esperanza United conducted listening sessions and then an in-depth qualitative research analysis of homicide risks, protective factors, and barriers to support.

The peer-reviewed criminal justice journal, Homicide Studies, recently featured two companion papers resulting from this work. These publications exemplify Esperanza United’s research goals by adding to a limited body of literature focused on Latinas and homicide and including the perspectives of three of our student researchers and alumni. Highlights from these publications include: 

• A review of national homicide research showed that 61% of adult Latina/Hispanic homicide victims were killed because of IPV, compared to 44% of non-Hispanic women homicide victims (Petrosky et al., 2017)
• Risk factors for homicide among Latinas include younger age, recent conflict or separation, and local gun policies
• Migrant Latina survivors are more likely to have histories of complex trauma and often experience an inaccessible criminal justice system due to language access issues and other barriers
• Latina survivors demonstrate a range of trauma responses. In addition to expressing fear or urgency to leave a relationship, a silent, subdued disposition or difficulty discussing experiences of violence have been noted by advocates and survivors as a signal for concern
• For groups marginalized by more than one identity, such as transgender and Indigenous Latina survivors, mutual support groups can help create safe spaces for individuals with similar experiences and cultures

While there is limited research on Latinas and IPH, these manuscripts add to the existing knowledge base of Latin@ experiences to further understand and respond to IPV in our communities. Request the full manuscripts by emailing researchandevaluation@esperanzaunited.org.

Get a preview of our research via our new Intimate partner homicide and Latinas infographic.

References:

• Garza, A. D., Macias, R. L., Mercado Diaz, V., O’Connor, R., Nava, N., & Guadalupe-Díaz, X. L. (2024). Help-Seeking Barriers for Latinx Victims of Intimate Partner Homicide: Insight From Survivors, Advocates, and Community Practitioners. Homicide Studies, 28(3), 360-382. https://doi.org/10.1177/10887679231205613 

Macias, R. L., Garza, A. D., Grajo, K., Nava, N., Guzman-Jimenez, T., & Guadalupe-Díaz, X. L. (2024). Intimate Partner Homicide Prevention Among Latinas: A Qualitative Study of Risk and Protective Factors. Homicide Studies, 28(3), 341-359. https://doi.org/10.1177/10887679241227892