We hear the phrase domestic violence used more and more every day. It is used on television, on billboards, and in flyers. So what is domestic violence and how does it affect a Latina/o with a disability?

Domestic violence is exerting power and control over another individual. There are many ways this can occur. Most people think domestic violence is only physical abuse; however that is only one form of abuse. One can be abused verbally, emotionally, sexually, or financially. Often, more than one kind of abuse happens at the same time.

Verbal abuse: can include cursing or swearing, using derogatory (insulting and demeaning) words, threatening, tone of voice, shouting, and screaming.

Emotional abuse: can include name calling, "mind games," isolation, putting a person "down", intimidation, questioning abilities, increase of verbal abuse, hitting objects near the victim, throwing objects at the victim.

Physical abuse: slapping, hitting, punching, pushing, hair pulling, pinching, grabbing, biting and kicking are all forms of physical abuse.

Sexual abuse: rape, prostituting, being coerced into having sex, and drugs/alcohol (forced consumption or used as coping skills) are considered forms of sexual abuse.

Financial abuse: abuser may take away the victim's paycheck or SSI money, force him or her to sign over their checks, etc. The abuser might be the provider for the home but does not give the victim any money. The abuser controls finances, has the check book and credit cards, and destroys the victim's credit.

There are other forms of abuse that affect individuals with disabilities which include: limited access-or no access-to transportation or communication (TTY) and medical negligence.

Domestic violence does not only occur to women. Men are victims also in many of the same forms listed above. However due to society's attitudes toward men, they don't report as often as women. Shame, pride, or acceptance of the situation are also reasons men don't usually come forward.

The Effects of Abuse

When any of these forms of abuse are used it can cause the person to feel unworthy, helpless, guilty, and responsible for the abuser's behaviors. These feelings are not always acknowledged in the Latino culture. Often Latinas grow up being told that this is normal behavior for men. Latinas feel it is their fault and that they deserve the abuse. Latinas are taught to think of others before their needs are met. They are taught to be good wives and good mothers. Latinas are made to feel ashamed if they leave the abusive relationship and are made to feel they failed in some way by not keeping the family together.

Disabled Latinas

For disabled Latinas leaving the relationship is even more difficult for additional reasons. For example, the abuser may also be the victim's caretaker. As the caretaker, the abuser may be the one to care for the victims' basic needs such as bathing, feeding, and giving medications. In any abusive situation the abuser, often isolates the victim from family or friends causing her to be completely dependent on him. Due to no or quite limited support systems being in place, the victim will stay in the relationship rather than be alone.

Spouses or boyfriends are not the only abusers. Family members such as parents, siblings, children, or other caregivers may also be abusive towards the victim/survivor.

Domestic violence cuts across all economic borders. How does domestic violence affect a disabled Latina working woman? Log in next month for the 2nd part of this series: Domestic Violence and the Workplace.

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