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From Isolation to Connection: Understanding a Support Group for Hispanic Women Living with Gender-based Violence in Houston, Texas

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Abstract

Little is known about the benefits of support groups to prevent gender-based violence in Hispanics. The article describes a Houston area community-based organization that assists immigrant Hispanic women exposed to gender-based violence and/or abuse. Internal documents, participant observation, and in-depth interviews were used to examine the support group. Thirty interviews were conducted with support group participants. Interviews were analyzed to identify common themes relating to the women’s experiences. Overall, the women enjoyed the benefits of the support group and its offerings. Women were taught to manage situations and emotions, as well as to become less dependent on the abuser. The women also became aware of their selfworth and value, and most are making progress toward achieving self-sufficiency. Given the positive response from the women, this and other programs should continue to reach out into the community and offer a safe haven for immigrant Hispanic women living with gender-based violence and/or abuse.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the community based organization for allowing us to interview their clients and the brave women who shared their intimate stories of survival with us.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin St., #2576A, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Daisy Y. Morales-Campos & Sheryl A. McCurdy

  2. School of Public Health, University of Texas School of Public Health, El Paso Regional Campus, El Paso, TX, USA

    Myriam Casillas

Authors
  1. Daisy Y. Morales-Campos
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  2. Myriam Casillas
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  3. Sheryl A. McCurdy
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Correspondence to Daisy Y. Morales-Campos.

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Morales-Campos, D.Y., Casillas, M. & McCurdy, S.A. From Isolation to Connection: Understanding a Support Group for Hispanic Women Living with Gender-based Violence in Houston, Texas. J Immigrant Minority Health 11, 57–65 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-008-9153-3

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