Stepping out of the shadows : undocumented immigrant women come forward to share their experiences living in a domestic violence relationship in the United States
This study analyzes the relationship between domestic violence (DV) and women's vulnerability and shows how this relationship is directly impacted by an individual's immigration status. This study is done from a qualitative perspective using interviews to conduct the research and was conducted in a DV center. All participants being analyzed were undocumented immigrant women (UIW) living in the southwestern region of the United States, near the U.S.-Mexico border. This thesis provides insight into the hardships and obstacles UIW face when they are in a DV relationship. The benefits of this study will be substantial not only for educational purposes, but for those working with DV victims. This will allow for a better understanding and, most importantly, how to address these obstacles and better serve UIW in a DV relationship.