Perceptions of service providers and community members on intimate partner violence within a Latino community

This study examined perceptions regarding intimate partner abuse (IPV) in a largely Latino community in New Jersey through focus groups with Latino community members and key informant interviews with providers of services to this population. Questions examined definitions of partner abuse; perceptions of factors contributing to, or protecting against, IPV; and barriers to reporting IPV both for the victim and the community at large. Atlas.ti, a qualitative data package, was used to analyze transcripts for themes drawn from the literature and preliminary review of transcripts. Findings point to both similarities and some potentially important differences between the perspectives of community members and service providers in such areas as definitions of partner abuse, factors associated with abuse, and barriers to reporting. Although both community members and service providers can individually offer important insights with regard to IPV, a more complete picture emerges when the views of both groups are considered.