A community forum to assess the needs and preferences for domestic violence prevention targeting hispanics

Abstract

Hispanics are disproportionately affected by the occurrence and consequences of domestic violence when compared to their non-Hispanic counterparts. The Partnership for Domestic Violence used a community-based participatory research approach to assess the needs and preferences for preventing domestic violence (DV) among Hispanics in Miami-Dade County. Researchers conducted a community forum in which data collected from focus groups were presented to approximately 100 community members to gather their feedback regarding the development of DV prevention programs tailored for Hispanics. Participants were in high agreement that a program targeting youth is the highest priority and that specific cultural variables should be incorporated to make the program most effective. Recommendations for DV prevention targeting Hispanics and the use of community forums as a method of research are provided. © 2012 Springer Publishing Company.