Undocumented Latina Networks and Responses to Domestic Violence in a New Immigrant Gateway

Abstract

New immigrant gateways differ significantly from areas of established settlement, with repercussions for domestic violence situations. Through interviews and a focus group with undocumented Latinas, we examine one specific area of such difference, that of formal and informal networks. These networks affect women's ability to seek and obtain help and procure their overall well-being. Findings suggest that the incorporation of Latinas into new gateways entails a reconfiguration of social ties and an increased level of isolation that renders immigrant women particularly vulnerable and ill-equipped to respond to domestic violence situations. We examine the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.