A mutual-aid group for Latino and Latina adolescent survivors of parental intimate partner violence

This qualitative study explores the perceptions of Latino and Latina adolescent survivors of parental intimate partner violence (IPV) who participated in mutual-aid groups. Two focus groups were conducted. Data were analyzed utilizing a grounded theory approach. Five conceptual themes arose including: (a) feelings about the parental intimate partner violence; (b) reflections about group activities that helped them cope with the violence at home; (c) the role of the group in enabling a safe home away from home; (d) the impact of the Latino culture on adolescent survivors of parental IPV and (e) adolescent post-group experiences. Findings indicated that overall the group experience was overwhelmingly positive. It helped the adolescents decrease feelings of depression, isolation, improved self-esteem and was empowering. Implications for social workers include utilization of mutual aid groups with Latino/a adolescent survivors of parental IPV.Keywords: mutual-aid groups, domestic violence groups, Latino and Latina adolescents, survivors of parental intimate partner violence, undocumented immigrants, resilience theory; groupwork; group work