Bound by History and Silenced by Culture: Domestic Violence in Afro-Latinas
Individuals are defined by culture
and culture is defined by history. “Domestic violence a pattern of physical,
psychological or sexual abuse, threats, intimidation, isolation or economic
coercion used by one person to exert power and control over another person in
the context of an intimate relationship.” Domestic violence is a consistently devastating
issue that faces both men and women of every background, but it is increasingly
prevalent in Latin communities. Latina victims face unique barriers when it
comes to their ability to seek help in domestic violence situations, resulting
in a more complex issue. The complexity of the domestic violence situations
seen in Latinas is a result of their history and culture. The perpetuation of
domestic violence in Latin communities because of their particular history and
culture needs to end.
The video above is about a brave woman named Asela who after being married for 11 years and abused for the last 2 years decided to leave her husband and find help from the LAA.
Latinas’
roots make it difficult for them to find the available resources needed for
them to remove themselves from domestic violence situations.The cardinal rule of Latinas is to keep their
families together, that is what they are meant to do as mothers and wives. In
their culture, Latina women have a duty to be presentable. They must have a
presentable home, a presentable appearance, and a presentable family life. “A
strong sense of culture keeps Latinas from “betraying” long-standing values.
Those who step outside of these norms, shame not only themselves but also their
parents, grandparents, etc. Latino family obligations always come first no matter
what personal animosities may exist” (“Latinas”).
Many abusers claim that it really is not their
fault. They claim that the battered women provoked their behavior causing them
to lose control and resulting in them having no choice but to abuse their
women. Those who are not opposed to domestic violence like to make it known
that women should know their place, stay in line, and not disobey their men. If
women choose to step out of line and disobey their men, then men should be able
to take it upon themselves to put their women back into place. Domestic
violence offenders and those who support them like to victimize the abusers and
incriminate those abused. There is no excuse for abuse. If a man gets angry, he
should find another way to release his anger. If a man is drunk or high, he
still should possess enough common sense to not physically or verbally abuse
his women. “Because of these factors- the
language barrier, the lack of resources, the threat of deportation for some and
misinformation about legal rights Latinas often become isolated. These women
fear being hurt by the very authorities charged with protecting their well-being.
Communities must develop culturally sensitive solutions to violence in Latino
families and find effective ways to reach this growing segment of the
population” (“Latinas”). Latinas need to become educated of their rights and
the Latina culture needs to become more supportive of these sensitive but
serious situations. Latinas should never feel bound by their history or
silenced by their culture when their well-being is at high risk. “A spirit of
stress and struggles characterizes a woman” (Womanhood pg. 240) but her
strength in adversity defines her.
Works Cited
Cruz-Janzen, Marta
I. "Latinegras." Revelations: An Anthology of Expository Essays by
and about Blacks. Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Pub., 2010. Print.
"Domestic Violence in the Hispanic Community." Safe
Harbor, Inc. Web. 04 Mar. 2012.
<http://safeharborsc.org/blog/domestic-violence-in-the-hispanic-community/>.
"Domestic Violence Online Support Group." The
Excuses Abusers Use to Blame You. Web. 04 Mar. 2012. <http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/domestic-violence-discussions/general-support/2017739-the-excuses-abusers-use-to-blame-you>.
McDougald, Elise J. "The Task of Negro
Womanhood." Revelations: An Anthology of Expository Essays by and about
Blacks. Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Pub., 2010. Print.
"Mujeres Latinas En Acción." Mujeres
Latinas En Acción. Web. 09 Mar. 2012.
<http://www.mujereslatinasenaccion.org/>.5
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