Systemic Approach in Latino Families Surviving Domestic Violence in the United States of America

This study is aimed at creating a treatment model grounded by professionals' knowledge and that allows the development of skills to work with families in crisis. The participants, health professionals of the Latina Domestic Violence Program (LDVP) in Philadelphia, were interviewed individually, and the answers were analyzed in accordance with grounded theory methodology. The answers of the participants were used to emphasize the important aspects related to the situation of survivors of domestic violence. The participants identified two main elements necessary for an ideal program. 1. The program must have the capacity to address all the biopsychosocial needs of the family (financial, occupational, educational and mental health needs). Undocumented and non-English speaking users' needs must be considered when developing a program for Latino families. 2. It is important that the work team should be trained in several appropriate theories and/or of intervention that help to understand the Latino culture of the users. In this way, the use of a model based on the American culture that does not meet the specific needs of the community is avoided.