S í, Yo Puedo (Yes, I Can) Curriculum and Empowerment Program for Immigrant Latina Women in Group Settings: Utilization of the Program at a Police Department

This study builds upon a previous mixed-method study conducted at a police department between 2016 and 2017 in a Midwestern state. This study examines immigrant Latinas ’ experiences with a culturally specific curriculum,S í, Yo Puedo, designed to foster self-esteem and provide education on interpersonal violence and healthy relationships. Nineteen immigrant Latinas participated in three educational groups undergoing the curriculum. Pre/post 36-item surveys inclusive of nine demographic questions and two measurement scales were used to examine differences in self-esteem and attitudes and knowledge toward interpersonal violence. Open-ended qualitative items assessed participants ’ overall experiences with theS í, Yo Puedo program. No statistically significant differences between the mean pre- and post-test self-esteem scores were detected. Significant differences were noted regarding participants ’ disagreements that disapprove or show better knowledge about IPV in the attitudes and knowledge toward interpersonal violence scores. Participants reported positive feelings of increased confidence and self-esteem and reports of learning about legal rights and the dynamics of interpersonal viole nce. Findings implicate this curriculum as a culturally competent service tool for police departments working with this population.
Source: Journal of Family Violence - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research