Neighborhood Social Disorder and Attitudes Toward Partner Violence Against Women: Evidence from Latin-American Immigrants in Spain

This study analyzes the relationship between neighborhood social disorder, and attitudes toward partner violence against women among immigrants. To test hypotheses, a sample of Latin-American immigrants living in Spain was used. Relationships between perceived neighborhood disorder and the following sets of attitudes toward partner violence against women were explored: perceived severity of incidents, the acceptability of partner violence, and victim-blaming attitudes. Residents perceiving high levels of neighborhood social disorder were more exposed to incidents of partner violence against women, as they reported knowing more victims. Results showed that high levels of perceived neighborhood social disorder were associated with low levels of perceived severity of incidents of partner violence against women, higher acceptability of partner violence, and higher degree of victim-blaming. Results suggest that impoverished residential areas can help create an acceptable climate for partner violence against women.