I am Latina / Latin American

I AM LATINA/LATIN AMERICAN

Although the term "Latino/Latina" incorporates many different cultures--from Mexican and Caribbean to Central and South American-- there are some shared experiences among them. In Latino culture, women are given restrictive gender roles that require submission to men. Also, some Latinas experience a lack of encouragement in educational goals and independence. The expectations of men, on the other hand, are that they should be successful at any cost, including wielding tremendous power over women. As a Latina, you may have learned that men are not expected to take responsibility for their sexual behavior. You may have been taught that this is a woman's role. This makes the assault seem to be your problem, not his.

Because of the obstacles created by this sexual hierarchy, as a Latina survivor you may have a very hard time reporting your sexual assault. You may believe that the assault was your fault, that you have been "damaged" because you no longer are a virgin (if you had no sexual experience before the assault), that you will "shame" your family--and you may fear that your family will affirm those feelings. You may fear blame and accusation from others.

Other factors may affect your reaction to an assault. Your identification with Latino cultural traditions can be affected by how many years or generations you or your family have lived in the US and to what degree you have assimilated into North American culture.

Your fluency and comfort with speaking in English while you are in crisis may affect your ability to have your needs addressed. You may think you can "fill in the blanks," but the information you require is far too important to leave that to chance. If necessary, you have the right to ask for a Spanish- or Portuguese-English interpreter during interviews with the police, legal proceedings or counseling sessions.

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