Listening to Filipina women: perceptions, responses and needs regarding intimate partner violence.

Interpersonal violence (IPV) is a complex issue effecting women worldwide. Reported rates of IPV vary widely from one cultural group to another (Magnussen et al., 2004 ; Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000 ). This paper presents a community based participatory research (CBPR) study of the perceptions, responses, and needs of Filipina women regarding IPV. Data was collected by using interviews and focus groups. The women believed that it was their responsibility to keep the family intact regardless of IPV and did not realize that IPV has a significant negative impact on the mental health and well-being of both women and their children. Immigrant Filipino women may be particularly at risk of IPV.