Proyecto VOCES: Listening to the voices of Latinas to prevent gender based violence

Gender based violence is a public health pandemic in need of policies and programs that not only meet the needs but build upon the strengths of those who are affected. Proyecto VOCES (Project Voices), is a multi-sector multi-methods project that examines gender based violence (GBV) among a predominantly immigrant Latino community.  Over 600 (n=660) women, men, male and female youth were surveyed about their experiences with GBV both as a survivor and as a perpetrator, in the US and in their home country. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with survivors and community leaders to gain their perspective on how the community can harness their strengths to create not only a dialogue but responsive programs to prevent GBV. The quantitative data demonstrated that over half of respondents experienced GBV and that changing social norms between the home country and the US serves as a catalyst for control and dominant behaviors in relationships. The indepth interviews expounded upon the survey findings and directed our efforts towards three activities: 1) the creation of a community dialogue around GBV, 2) design of youth based programs to foster norms of gender equity and respect at a young age, and 3) the construction of a community based resource center as a safe place to talk about experiences with GBV and learn tangible skills such as computer data entry and cottage crafts to attain financial independene. Results from our surveys and interviews will be presented to illustrate and provide context to our findings and subsequent program plans.