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Running head: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE i Domestic Violence against Undocumented Latinas Belen Aguirre California State University Monterey Bay

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Page 1: baguirreblog.files.wordpress.com  · Web view2013. 12. 13. · Belen Aguirre. California State University Monterey Bay. Author's Note: Department of Collaborative Health and Human

Running head: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE i

Domestic Violence against Undocumented LatinasBelen Aguirre

California State University Monterey Bay

Author's Note:Department of Collaborative Health and Human ServicesAdvocacy Report done for Professional Writing course

302 Sec. 2 with Instructor David Calloway All correspondence should be sent to: [email protected]

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ii

Table of ContentsIntroduction 1

Discussion of the Causes 2

Discussion of the Effects 5

Proposed Solutions 6

Conclusion 8

Appendix A 10

Appendix B 11

Appendix C 12

Appendix D....................................................................................................................................13

References 14

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 1

Introduction to Domestic Violence Against Undocumented Latinas

Domestic violence has been a common way in which humans exhort is the correct way to resolve issues; especially in circumstances with undocumented women. Undocumented Latinas should have a voice and access to report any case of domestic violence that they might be facing in their lives without fear. About 50% of immigrant Latinas in a U.S. sample reported physical abuse and also suffered from intimidation and verbal threats (Edelson, Hokoda, and Ramos-Lira, 2007). About 20% to 60% of women in the United States experience domestic violence in their lifetime exposing them to have more psychological difficulties throughout their lives (Edelson et al.,2007). Over 50 % of women suffer from domestic violence attacks, but some have more opportunities to report these cases than others because of different factors. Vishnuvajjala (2012) states that “a woman is assaulted by her partner every fifteen seconds and each year 1500 women are killed as a result of domestic violence.” Women are being exposed to death every year which demonstrates the degrees of what domestic violence can escalate to. However many do not report the domestic violence that they are going through because they believe this is an impossible action to take. In many cases there are influences that lead these women to remain silent about abuse. Klevens (2007) asserts that some of the barriers that prevent Latinas for seeking help include: "lack of financial means; fear of deportation, of losing custody of their children, or of their situation worsening; beliefs that abuse must be tolerated or that police, health care providers, and other institutions are oblivious to inter partner violence (IPV) or will discriminate against them; being unaware of available services; language difficulties; preferences for an intact family; and lack of transportation". In a recent survey, Latinas who experienced domestic violence gave their testimonies about what domestic violence was like for them. The characteristics of these Latinas are very diverse but it shows that more almost half of the total number of Latinas interviewed did not have a legal status in the U.S. In addition the characteristics show that over 50 % were unemployed which is a factor that can lead for women to have financial difficulties when dealing with domestic violence ( a detailed graph is shown in Appendix A). All of these reasons are crucial to the decisions that undocumented Latinas take when deciding whether or not to report.

Undocumented Latinas also have fear when seeking for help due to the belief that there are no resources available for them. Because a lot of these women are new to this country even finding ways of transportation in order to report, can be complicated for them. We might think that visiting the doctor is such a simple thing to do, but it can be something completely fearful for others who are frightened of losing everything they have. In addition, women have a fear of authoritative figures such as the police and other resources that intimidate them when wanting to get help. Other barriers that women encounter are also related to culture which are described with terms such as familism and machismo (Fuchsel, Murphy, & Dufresne, 2012). Consequently, Vishnuvajjala (2012) states that “in instances of domestic violence, the risk of contacting the police is further compounded by barriers of language, culture, and dependency on documented, abusive partners.” This statement focuses on yet another important factor for why undocumented Latinas do not report. The social stigma that undocumented women have about police once again prevent them from reporting, but not just because of fear but also because of language and cultural barriers. For example, undocumented women might want to communicate something important but they are unable to because of the lack of language proficiency. Vishnuvajjala (2012) agrees that there are not as many law enforcement agents that are bilingual therefore by

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increasing this number there would be more precise clarification in any case of domestic violence. In addition, the lack of knowledge and education that undocumented women have about domestic violence becomes one of the most important barriers for not reporting. Increasing education in undocumented households and learning skills on how to cope with domestic violence, would be beneficial for the safety of undocumented women and their families. It is essential for undocumented Latinas to be educated since recent reports from the US Bureau Census indicate that "Hispanic population is the fastest growing ethnic group in the US, and is projected to comprise 29% of the US population by 2050" states Kelly (2010). Because Latinos are becoming a larger population in the U.S, action should be taken timely to access services and help for undocumented women. An increase in education in undocumented households should be manageable through effective collaboration and community leadership. The results should allow for undocumented Latinas to develop a better understanding of domestic violence and be able have a voice when being abused. The option of and education is always possible with the help of the community and policy change. An intervention is needed today, in which undocumented Latinas are able to vanish from their unhealthy environments and enter into a safe one with a clear understanding of who they are and the importance that they carry within themselves.

Discussion of the Causes

Although the United States has become a diverse country, the main language that is spoken in the U.S today is English. Whenever a person goes to a public place or any type of service everything is written in English. The act of communication orally or written becomes complex for a person who does not know the language very well. Some agree that it is everyone's responsibility to learn English since it is the primary language in the U.S. , yet it is complicated for individuals to learn a new language when they do not have accessible resources. Vishnuvajjala (2012) mentions that "language barriers that immigrants face in seeking assistance” creates a gap between communication and action. In this case, undocumented Latinas face a difficult time when wanting to access help for domestic violence or any other type of service. According to Derose (2000), 61.7 % Spanish speaking Latinos could not read instructions when it came to filling out a paper in a hospital or clinic. That is nearly two thirds of the Latino population who cannot complete a common doctor's form. In many cases Latinas have experienced intimidation and would rather stop going to public services because of the lack of understanding the English language (Derose, 2000). When I was small I served as an interpreter for my Latino parents whenever we visited the doctor. By doing this, I was able to provide my parents with what I understood the doctor was saying. Although I am proud that I was able to accomplish this task, I do not know if I really communicated effectively since the doctor’s words were so complex and strange to me. In some cases I would be confused and just tell my parents what I thought the doctor meant and nod my head to everything. My parents had someone that could translate for them, but there are other people that do not have anyone to assist them. Diverse experiences that undocumented Latinas face when visiting the doctor's office like not having a translator can frighten them to go back to the doctor where they know they will not be understood. Not understanding the English language can become difficult for undocumented Latinas when seeking help for personal issues like domestic violence.

Not only are undocumented Latinas needing assistance in language proficiency, but also in education overall to be able to report domestic violence abuse. Education prepares individuals for basic needs that are needed to succeed in life. For example the abilities to read and write are

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simple skills that education is able to provide for individuals in most places around the world. One might believe that education is part of life, yet there are many who do not have the opportunity to learn how to read or write in their entire lifetime. According to Derose (2000), when filling out doctoral forms in hospitals, some Latinos felt exposed when trying to read instructions due to their low literacy levels. Even while being Spanish speaking individuals, some lack the education that they need in order to read and fill out the right information. Not being educated causes a problem because the less education Latinas have the less help they are able to receive when they want to report domestic violence. For example, by not having an education they might not even be aware that what they are enduring is a very serious problem. In a survey completed to investigate the low risk sexual and drug-use behaviors amongst Latinas only 50% of the Latinas interviewed completed 8 or fewer years of schooling which would not include high school education (Wohl, Garland, Cheng, Lash, Johnson, & Frye, 2010). These subjects were questioned about their personal lives including the factor of domestic violence in their lives. In addition, Vishnuvajjala (2012) reinforces this idea by asserting that over 50% of foreign born Latinos have “less than a high school education”. This is a serious matter because in cases of domestic violence victims are unable to communicate with law enforcement and might end up staying in a violent home. If education was accessible to many more women, then they would feel encouraged to continue to educate themselves to actually speak and learn different languages. Not having the knowledge of reading adequately or writing is an important factor that deprives undocumented Latinas from communicating effectively. Not only do women lack education because of other circumstances, but there are cultures that do not allow women to attend school and get an education.

Culture and domestic violence is connected in a way that creates assumptions for many about whether or not domestic violence is actually considered violence in some cultures (Kasturirangan, Krishnan &Riger, 2004). Although culture varies by ethnicity and race, Kasturirangan, et al.(2004), agree that there are many different types of values that create culture and in some cases might vary and ultimately lead to domestic violence. As mentioned by Edelson, Hokoda, and Ramos-Lira (2007), "La ropa sucia se lava en casa" ("The dirty laundry is washed at home") or "El que diran?" ("What will people Say?"), are important sayings to Latinos and their families. These sayings mean that all the wrong things that happen at home should stay at home and not be shared with the public. The saying also emphasizes that issues like domestic violence should be kept a secret to prevent people from talking about the family. Respect is important to Latino families so they would not like that neighbors or people they are related too to be spreading rumors about them. Edelson, et al. (2007) explain the roles that Latinas take in a family where all they wish to be are good wives and good mothers. This happens because they are taught early in their years how to be good mothers and wives. In order to perform the roles of good wives and good mothers, they must assimilate into their customs of male dominance. Latinas are taught that men are the head of the household and therefore females need to be caregivers and provide for their husbands as they desire due to the norm of male dominance (Edelson, et al.2007). After getting accustomed to attending the necessities of their husbands, women begin to forget about taking care of themselves. Women then begin to assimilate their roles as housewives and decide to dedicate their entire life to their family. Machismo and male domination are part of the social Latino culture that has increased from generation to generation creating this a normal practice in Latino communities (Adames & Campbell, 2005). "Machismo refers to a set of beliefs on how Latino males should act" described Edelson, et al. (2007). The beliefs that are included in the term Machismo tend to be more negative although some believe

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that there are also positive aspects of this term. For example, Parra-Cardona and Busby (2006), quoted Femandez-Cosgrove (2000: 202) on his perspective "...many researchers define machismo from a Eurocentric viewpoint...Machismo in the Latino sense is the expectation that a man will be honorable, responsible, and loving toward his family." Although there are both perspectives, the negative interpretation of this term does lead to higher chances of women experiencing domestic violence. For example, the negative beliefs include males showing behaviors such as: dominance, superior, and strong in relationships (Fuchsel, et al., 2012). In addition Latinas are taught to be married at a young age and follow their husbands wherever they go. "Several of the women reported that moving to the United States and being away from family members was difficult", stated Fuchsel, et al. (2012). These women migrate to the United States sometimes without having any family here which makes it hard for them to confide in anyone if they are going through something. Not knowing anyone also prevents them to seek help since they look at themselves as a minority and believe that they do not have a voice (Edelson, et al. 2007). Not having the adequate education leads undocumented women to assimilate into ideas that can be myths at times. Other ideas that undocumented women have can ultimately be true.

Battered Latinas often return to their abusers unlike other women from different ethnicities that do not stay with the abuser in a relationship (Klevens, 2007). The cycle of violence allows for readers to understand what the importance of family role is in the Latino community. History shows that victims of domestic violence are part of a cycle that allows for domestic violence to keep happening after three periods of time. In 1979, psychologists Leonor Walker discovered the cycle of abuse that contains three stages which are: 1. Tension building phase, 2. Acute battering episode and 3. The honeymoon phase (Cycle of Violence appears in Appendix B). The cycle supports the idea that many women would rather endure domestic violence because so called "love" and "believing that their partner will ultimately change", states Klevens (2007). Many Latina women dislike the idea of having their children suffer and therefore also decide to stay in an abusive relationship. According to Klevens (2007), women do not report domestic violence because of the fear of losing custody of their children and only making the situation bigger and worst. In addition to losing custody, marriage in the Catholic Church is meant to last forever until "death does us apart" and therefore would not like the family to separate or ultimately reach a divorce. Fuchsel, et al. (2012) also agree that religion, especially the Catholic Church, plays a big role in the decisions that Latinas make while seeking out for help when dealing with domestic violence. In addition women also endure the situations they are in because of their former teachings in life about being good mothers and wives. If a Latina woman reaches a divorce or a break up even if it is because of domestic violence, she will believe that she failed in the teachings that she received when being a young girl. Not only will this affect women, but having a divorce will also increase a stressor on the responsibility of being a good single mother (Edelson, et al., 2007). The fear of not acting accordingly to traditional behaviors is a likely one in undocumented Latinas.

A common fear that also prevents undocumented Latinas from seeking help is the fear of being deported and separated from their families. The fear of being deported is a common cause that undocumented Latinas face while considering the idea of reporting domestic violence. There are speculations that they have about police and other authorities that prevent them from making that call. Although in some cases, women are helped there are also circumstances where they can be faced of self- deporting themselves if they actually call. For example, Vishnuvajjala (2012) analyzes the case of an undocumented Latina who called the police during a confrontation with her partner. She never thought that she would be the one who would be leading to her own

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deportation. Since immigration programs like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) work hand in hand with general police departments, then it makes it easier to track undocumented immigrants. After calling the police, the woman was arrested for a minor charge and later the charge was dropped but not before taking the finger prints of the undocumented Latina. These finger prints were sent back to ICE and therefore lead to the deportation of the individual because she had been already arrested once while trying to come into the U.S. without documents (Vishnuvajjala, 2012). This example supports why undocumented Latinas have so much fear in actually reporting their situations. Undocumented Latinas feel that by making any contact with law enforcement they will immediately reveal their current immigration status and be deported automatically. Not only do they worry about being deported, but also about leaving their children alone and unattended after they are deported. While ICE is supposed to be functioning in order to make arrests of criminals they can also be committing mistakes and arresting victims of domestic violence. In addition, there are undocumented women who have no choice but to marry at a young age and in order to receive a legal status in the United States (Fuchsel, et al.,2012). This situation empowers domestic violence abusers who are documented to threaten their wives and tell them that they will not receive a legal status in this country if they decide to report the abuse (Vishnuvajjala, 2012). Undocumented Latinas whom lack the right resources to report or move away from this dangerous lifestyle become vulnerable to this cycle and continue to by stand the threats that they receive. This continues to happen until the effects are irremediable.

Discussion of the Effects

Divorce and separation of families is often an effect of domestic violence against undocumented Latinas. Not only does separations affect undocumented Latinas directly, but also affects the outcome of children in that abusive household. Mattson and Ruiz (2005) stated that “In addition to the physical injuries, IPV causes serious psychological and social consequences for women and their families.” In effect, children of domestic violence households grow up to conceptualize the idea that battering woman is okay to do. When they grow up to be adults they tend to believe that what they are doing is part of a culture when indeed it is not. Mattson and Ruiz (2005) also mentioned that “Children who witness parental violence are especially susceptible to psychological and social consequences with life-long impact, such as, post-traumatic stress disorders.” These children tend to get aggressive more quickly than children who do not witness domestic violence at a young age. Children soon begin to develop an incorrect understanding of culture and do exactly what they see in their homes. Not only are children being put at risk, but their health conditions can also worsen because in the future they will develop post-traumatic stress due to secondary abuse. In addition, living in a violent household witnessing the roles of the mother and father, boys and girls will assimilate into their roles Boys will tend to show their anger just like the male role and girls would rather keep all of their problems inside just like the mother (Mattson & Ruiz, 2005). It is a danger for children to assimilate to an abusive life, but it is more threat full when women and their families begin to accumulate health problems due to witnessing domestic violence.

Domestic violence leads undocumented women to have health related problems such as depression, low self-esteem and post-traumatic stress symptoms which can be high risk factors to health depending on how long and severe the violence has been occurring (Edelson, et al.2007). According to Kelly (2010), "Major depressive

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disorder (MDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety have emerged as the most frequently diagnosed mental health problems related to IPV". Major depressive disorders like these can result in fatal conditions if they are not treated adequately and timely. Sometimes women have symptoms of these depressions yet they are not aware that they are undergoing a depression and often miss out on the available services that treat domestic violence survivors. It is difficult for women who have a depression to function properly in daily activities without proper care (Kelly, 2010). Not only does it affect the daily lives of Latinas, but have difficultness with finances also prevents women to provide themselves with correct care. In a survey conducted, Latinas who were abused were 3 times more likely to have posttraumatic stress disorder than Latinas who were not abused (Kelly, 2010). Even worst undocumented Latinas can conclude in fatal circumstances because of the not having the correct attention they need when it comes to health care. According to Kelly (2010) the authors Jones, Hughes, and Unterstaller (2001) "reported that suicide is a significant risk for victims of IPV, and that PTSD may mediate the relationship between IPV and suicidal ideation". Not only are undocumented Latinas being faced with physical abuse, but death thoughts can also emerge since they are being susceptible to continuous verbal and emotional attacks. Although the health threats are high, many undocumented Latinas cannot access health care. Health services should always be provided to women despite their immigration status in order for them to receive adequate health care when going through domestic violence, but they are not. According to Fuentes and Hessol (2009), Latinos have the lowest rate of insurance in the United States and even worst more than 50 % of undocumented Latinas in a study conducted in San Francisco California were uninsured. The recent study supports how many undocumented Latinas do not have access to health care and are vulnerable to continuous abuse. In addition, a report showed that foreign born non-citizens show less use of health services than those who are citizens (Aguilera & López,2008). Having a lack of health care use is a primary reason for the different illnesses that go untreated after being an abused victim of domestic violence. If there were more opportunities for undocumented Latinas to get treated, then there would be a decrease in reoccurring depressions in these women.

Proposed Solutions

In 1973, the Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act was created to reinforce the idea that nobody should be neglected services because of language differences; today this is not enforced in many public places. Derose (2000) agrees that federal and public services lack the ability to comply with this law since services are underfunded and do not provide interpreters or bilingual forms to the public. Not having options in different languages is an issue of concern because there is not enough staff or no staff at all that speaks more than one language. A positive change in the Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act, would be to revise this act with mandatory instructions that would force services to provide information in more than one language. With this act being enforced, there would be more undocumented Latinas willing to visit the doctor or reach out for help in times of crisis and not have a negative attitude when doing so. A change in policy would also prevent the fear that undocumented Latinas face when visiting doctors and allow them to report the abuse they are constantly receiving. In addition to being able to speak to staff that clearly understands them; clients would also have the assistance that they need when filling out paper work or reading instructions for medications. Overall

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revising this law would improve and facilitate the communication skills that Latinos can achieve when it comes to doctor visits and accessing services.

In addition to changing policy, changing cultural education would also be a step to motivate undocumented Latinas to report and stop domestic violence abuse. Vishnuvajjala (2012) discusses that women and children are taught that police are negative influences and are even portrayed as “antagonists” in movies or TV. By changing the ways we learn about different cultures and authorities there would be less cases of domestic violence. Having a clear vision and open mind to different ideas can overcome the cultural norms that revolve around the Latino community. The correct time of implementing this type of education for adolescents would be in middle schools. This timely implementation would be beneficial for women and their children as well. Undocumented women and kids will be able to communicate with one another about domestic violence by having forms sent out home. In addition there could also be mandatory meetings at school in the evenings which would inform mothers about the services that they can access if they encounter a violent stage in their lives. Mattson and Ruiz (2005) came up with the creation of a book for children which is called Hitting Is Bad, So Talk When You’re Mad which would allow them to assess a group of children and determine how they felt about domestic violence. The book included pictures and was created with rhymes that made the children interested in reading the book. In the book, they learned to talking to adults is better than using other strategies to manage their anger. They would be able to inform and communicate better with their parents whenever they felt angry about something (Results of this study are available in Appendix C). This is a perfect example of how we can merge difficult topics like domestic violence into our school systems. Undocumented women should also be able to receive an education similar to classes in adult school for people who want to learn English. Other classes about culture and domestic violence would work well if they were taught together to develop a better understanding and relate to their experiences. By educating the Latino community about their own history they can allow themselves to a new set of beliefs about what domestic violence really is. Vishnuvajjala (2012) also proposes strengthening relationships between law enforcement and domestic violence victims. Strengthening this relationship would be a great solution because there would be an effective communication between local police and undocumented Latinas. Having that strong bond, would result in removing all of the stereotypical conclusions that undocumented Latinas have developed about police and other authoritative figures. Undocumented Latinas will feel that they are not a hidden population anymore actually have a fearless thought when they want to communicate with the authorities about a situtaion.

Health is a condition that most everyone is concerned with, but only few have the resources to access care for health related issues. With the new approved Affordable Care Act, there were hopes that undocumented immigrants were going to be able to be insured, but that is not the case. A social security number is needed to be eligible for insurance and undocumented Latinas do not have access to one. A positive aspect of the Affirmative Care availability is that undocumented Latinas can still get a limited health service through Medical in the state of California ( More information is available in Appendix D). The availability of the Medicaid option can be new information to women and therefore it should be made clear that undocumented immigrants can still access health care even if it is minimal. Fuentes and Hessol (2009) stated that “Immigration and health insurance status were associated with use of preventive and no preventive services among Latina women in the San Francisco Bay Area.” The fact that there is minimal preventative use for Latinas is a crucial factor for getting treated in

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cases of domestic violence. A solution to the health aspect of domestic violence would be to distribute information about available clinics that serve undocumented Latinas. “Clinical and policy efforts must address the barriers to care that affect Latina immigrants, particularly undocumented women" stated Fuentes et al. (2009). It is important that women be checked at least every year for a heath understanding yet undocumented women are not due to no health care. However for some professionals like social workers it is a must to be up to date on information regarding current issues which will allow them to address the people that they need.

The continuous growth of the Hispanic population is one the important updates and motivation for professionals to accommodate to clients needs in this case would be treatment for undocumented Latinas (Fuchsel, et al.2012). In order to achieve this goal organizations that advocate for the safety of abused women, can come together as well respected leader organizations. People will begin to notice this unity and will begin to advocate against domestic violence as well when they see others do it. An example of a well respected organization that can diminish domestic violence would be the National Organization for Women (NOW). There are several chapters of this organization throughout the country, and the main goal of their organization is to promote equality and to eliminate racial discrimination. Domestic violence is one of their concerns as well, but they are not focused completely on this issue. However, they have promoted support for domestic violence for example they opposed to the Clear Act of George W. Bush in 2003 which would allow for regular police to act as homeland security agents and allow them the right to deport women and children who have been abused. Advocating for this law to be rejected in congress was a great way of showing that organizations like NOW are willing to help domestic violence survivors especially undocumented Latinas. There are several solutions that are ready to take action all that is needed now is motivation and determination to follow through with some of these great ideas. By removing the current gap in communications between diverse communities in the U. S undocumented Latinas will feel they are supported and part of a community where they will not have to continue suffering from domestic violence.

Conclusion

Undocumented Latinas are becoming vulnerable victims of domestic violence. They should be given the correct tools that can enable them to report domestic violence through education and social services. Education is one of the primary steps that undocumented Latinas need to take in order to have the ability to understand their current and past experiences. Along with educating themselves, undocumented Latinas will be stopping extensive abuse that crosses over to their own children who can also develop abusive behavior in the future. Leaving an abusive relationship is a difficult choice to make because of current cultural norms, but undocumented Latinas need to take that step in order to live safely. Once they have acquired knowledge about their culture, language, current laws, and health risks, that they were unaware of, they will be able to make choices on reporting that will benefit them. In addition to increasing education, a change in the law enforcement communication with undocumented Latinas is also needed immediately . The main roll of a law enforcement agent should not be to deport undocumented Latinas, but to address their concerns and accommodate best to their needs. If this does not change, there will be no hope for the more than 50 % of Latinas who are currently being abused this precise moment. In achieving this goal, undocumented women will have the opportunity that any other women in the United States has. Rights to speak up and be an individual with a voice should not depend on whether or not someone has correct documentation.

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After all that is just a piece of paper, while the abuse and violence that a domestic violence undergoes is real. There are several organizations like NOW, who are advocates for equality of women, but more is needed from the entire country to be able to eliminate domestic violence in undocumented Latinas. Most important it is the safety of undocumented women that we should all be concerned about since they are limited in the care that they can receive if they decide to seek for help. Depressive illnesses can lead to fatal consequences which can be prevented with the help of everyone. It is possible to become a leader through advocating for social change and omit domestic violence in undocumented Latino households. Not only will domestic violence survivors benefit from this change, but we will also benefit by increasing our knowledge on new skills and practice them throughout our lives to prevent domestic instances to keep happening. Ultimately the goal to terminate domestic violence is to withdraw vulnerable domestic violence victims out of the cycle of violence that still happens today in various households. We have the power to change and to empower those who are vulnerable to achieve a life free of violence.

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Appendix A

This survey reinforces the characteristics of survivors of domestic violence and allows for a better understanding of the backgrounds of Latinas who are being abused. Of this sample, 1 in 4 Latinas was undocumented. Retrieved from: Kelly, U. A. (2010). Symptoms of PTSD and Major Depression in Latinas Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence. Issues In Mental Health Nursing.

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Appendix B

Retrieved from: http://www.1736familycrisiscenter.org/pdf/Cycle%20of%20Violence_v3.pdf

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Appendix C

When asked what they do when they get angry, most of the childrenidentified what they did as either a behavior to do or not to do or a feelingstate, that is:

Tell them with talking.I tell Mom.No punching.No hitting.No kicking.I get sad.I go away.I hit who I’m mad at.I yell.I say, “You’re stupid.”

When asked what they could do when they were angry (after readingthe book), most of the children could identify additional anger managementstrategies:

Talk to the person.Learn not to hit.Breathe so you don’t hit.Count to 10 or more.Say, “I’m sorry.”Draw a picture of something nice.Go to my room so I don’t have to see him (sic).

Mattson, S., & Ruiz, E. (2005)

These results indicate that children should be taught about how to deal with anger issues at a young age since they learn fast and are adaptable to these strategies.

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Appendix D

Who can buy health insurance through Covered California?

Retrieved from: https://www.coveredca.com

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References

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