The Unascended Pyramid: A Journey Through Michoacán's Rural IPV Landscape

• In Event: Intimate Partner Violence Prevention and Victim Services

Abstract

This study investigates the disparity between the distrust of law enforcement and its promotion as a solution to intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural Michoacán, Mexico. Despite a high incidence of IPV and widespread mistrust in law enforcement, government campaigns, especially those by SEIMUJER, mainly recommend law enforcement involvement. Applying Miller & Sarat’s (1980) Dispute Pyramid, the research examines how this mismatch affects the progression of IPV cases legally. Data was collected from SEIMUJER's educational materials and interviews with rural residents. The findings reveal a preference for community-based, non-criminal IPV solutions, stemming from distrust in law enforcement and a wish to preserve social harmony. The study underscores the need for IPV strategies that are culturally sensitive and community-focused. It suggests rethinking the role of law enforcement in IPV interventions, stressing the inclusion of local cultural nuances in policymaking and practices. This research highlights the importance of comprehensive, culturally aware approaches for effectively tackling IPV and aiding survivors in rural areas.

Author

• Veronica Valencia Gonzalez, University of California, Irvine