Domestic violence, border control measures, and its effects on the immigrant population in the border region

Heryca Serna, University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

Domestic violence is a serious issue that can be predominantly challenging for undocumented immigrants to surpass given their citizenship status in the country. Immigrant victims of domestic violence, in particular, are in a foreign country exposed to an unknown language, culture, and legal system, as well as being isolated from family, friends, or any other possible support systems. Due to these circumstances immigrant victims of domestic violence rarely leave their homes largely due to mistrust for law enforcement and service agencies. Limitations to recovery for undocumented immigrant women have substantial social and political consequences. The objective of this research is to investigate how border control measures affect the recovery of undocumented immigrants who are victims of domestic violence. The study analyzes variables that affect immigrant survivors of domestic violence specifically in the border region specifically, the immigration status of the abusive partner, perceptions of rights, actual interactions with local and federal law enforcement, obstacles and facilitations for recovery from domestic violence.

Subject Area

Womens studies|Legal Studies|Public policy

Recommended Citation

Serna, Heryca, "Domestic violence, border control measures, and its effects on the immigrant population in the border region" (2012). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI1518232.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1518232

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