Familism, Sexual Abuse, and Domestic Violence among Immigrant Mexican Women

Immigrant Mexican women (IMW) experience domestic violence (DV) as adults, yet little is known about childhood sexual abuse (CSA) experiences and possible linkages between childhood and adult abuses. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using in-depth interviews and grounded theory to examine DV among nine IMW residing in a southwestern city. Experience of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and the role of familism on reporting and disclosing were categories that emerged in the data. Findings indicated seven of the nine participants had experienced CSA. Social workers in practice can utilize findings toward a better understanding of how to serve IMW.