A comparison of domestic violence in African American, Asian and Hispanic women

Abstract

Domestic violence is the most common cause of injury to women in the US. Types of intimate partner violence (IPV) range from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse to homicide. IPV accounts for approximately 40-50% of female homicide. Method- This evidence-based literature review compares domestic violence in African American (AA), Asian, and Hispanic women, including frequency, types, risk factors, and response. PubMed, CINAHL, First search, and Medline databases were used. Results- Women involved with male partners who have low education levels, low incomes, are alcohol or drug abusers, and who are unemployed are more likely to be victims of IPV. Other risk factors include women of young age, women who receive income from their partners, women with a history of STD, early onset of intercourse and a high number of sexual partners. AA and Hispanic women are at greater risk of IPV than Asian women. AA women between the ages of 15-45 have the highest homicide rate due to IPV. Asian women are more likely to view IPV as their own fault compared to AA or Hispanic women