Explaining the Immigration-Partner Violence Link: Attitudes Towards Partner Violence Among Latin-American Immigrants in Spain

In order to better understand the relationship between immigration and partner violence, our aim in this study is twofold. First, we compare perceptions and attitudes toward partner violence against women between native-born population and Latin-American immigrants in Spain. And second, we explore correlates of attitudes toward reporting partner violence against women among Latin-American immigrants. Data from the Spanish population was obtained from national representative surveys. Latin-American immigrants were recruited from a community sample of 399 adult participants. Results showed significant differences in attitudes toward intimate partner violence against women between nativeborn and immigrants. Analyses also showed that positive attitudes toward reporting among immigrants were more likely among those respondents who were less tolerant, perceive partner violence against women as a pervasive problem in society, and tend not to blame the victims. Findings are discussed in light of recent literature on the relevance of public attitudes toward intimate partner violence.