Oral

This session will review findings of studies that explore the relationship between immigration status with substance use and intimate partner violence. Presentations will explore the experiences and perceptions of South Asian immigrant women about sources to seek help for health problems in the context of spousal abuse. Presenters will also examine the link between vulnerability to dating violence and immigrant generational status as well as ethnic identity and teen substance use. Finally, the session will explore cultural correlates of methamphetamine use in a bi-national sample of individuals admitted to drug treatment facilities in San Diego and Tijuana.

Session Objectives: 1. Recognize the help-seeking patterns and barriers among abused south Asian immigrant women 2. Describe the prevalence of dating violence among immigrant adolescent girls 3. Describe the difference by gender, length of residence, and cultural identity substance 4. Discuss the implications on public health programs, policy and research