Sí, Yo Puedo (Yes, I Can) Curriculum and Empowerment Program for Immigrant Latina Women in Group Settings: Utilization of the Program at a Police Department

Abstract

Immigrant Latinas experiencing incidences of interpersonal violence require services from police departments. This study builds upon a previous mixed-method study conducted at a police department between 2016 and 2017 in a Midwestern state. This study examines immigrant Latinas’ experiences with a culturally specific curriculum, Si, Yo Puedo, designed to foster self-esteem and provide education on interpersonal violence and healthy relationships. Nineteen immigrant Latinas participated in three educational groups undergoing the curriculum. Pre/post 36-item surveys inclusive of nine demographic questions and two measurement scales were used to examine differences in self-esteem and attitudes and knowledge toward interpersonal violence. Open-ended qualitative items assessed participants’ overall experiences with the Si, Yo Puedo program. No statistically significant differences between the mean pre- and post-test self-esteem scores were detected. Significant differences were noted regarding participants’ disagreements that disapprove or show better knowledge about IPV in the attitudes and knowledge toward interpersonal violence scores. Participants reported positive feelings of increased confidence and self-esteem and reports of learning about legal rights and the dynamics of interpersonal violence. Findings implicate this curriculum as a culturally competent service tool for police departments working with this population.