Victimization of Latino Women and Youth: Themes from a Decade of Research

• In Event: Latin@ Criminology Panel 2: Victimization and Vulnerabilities of Latinos and Immigrants

Abstract

Quantitative research on the victimization experiences of Latinos has grown over the past decade, gradually addressing the gaps in research among this population. Two large NIJ-funded national surveys, the Sexual Assault among Latinos (SALAS) Study and the longitudinal Dating Violence among Latinos (DAVILA) Study have examined victimization among Latino women and adolescents respectively. Specifically, both of these studies focused on the role cultural factors play on victimization risk, consequences of violence, and help-seeking behaviors. While results from these studies have been previously presented, there has not been a more comprehensive presentation that addresses the key themes of the role cultural factors play on issues surrounding victimization. Collectively, the results from these studies indicate that acculturation, enculturation, and immigration status play a role on victimization risk, help-seeking behavior, and mental health outcomes. Furthermore, there appear to be distinct differences on how these variables impact outcomes with youth as opposed to adults. As a whole, the key findings from this research line point to the importance of evaluating culturally salient variables with this population and highlight the diversity that exists within this group. The results suggest that future research and policy work incorporate these factors when focusing on victimization among Latinos.

Authors

• Carlos Cuevas, Northeastern University

• Chiara Sabina, Penn State Harrisburg