Work-Related Intimate Partner Violence Among Employed Immigrants From Mexico

The study explores work-related intimate partner violence (IPV) among a sample of predominantly immigrant and Mexico-origin Latinos. Four focus groups were conducted with men enrolled in batterer intervention programs (BIPs) and experienced BIP group facilitators. Participants reported a range of on-the-job surveillance tactics (e.g., repeated calls), on-the-job harassment tactics (e.g., physically appearing at partner's workplace and causing problems), and work disruption tactics (e.g., forcing partner to quit her job), which have been identified in the literature. However, new tactics were identified, which include restricting the partner's use of automobiles, denying access to a driver's license, lying about childcare arrangements, and sending the partner temporarily to another country (e.g., Mexico). The identification of these tactics among this sample provides an understanding of the cultural context of work-related IPV. Findings inform the development of work-related IPV intervention programs, policies that address work-related IPV, and culturally specific BIP curricula for immigrant Latinos.