Case Study: Intimate Partner Violence in Peru

Intimate partner violence represents a major public health problem in Peru. Statistics indicate that over 45% of Peruvian women experience physical, sexual, and emotional abuse with rates as high as 69% in rural areas. Family values play an important role in the decision for women to remain in abusive relationships based on the collectivistic nature of Peruvian culture where the needs of the family take precedence over the needs of the individual. Economic and educational factors further influence the decision to remain with an abusive partner, as high rates of illiteracy are common for women in rural communities and contribute to indigenous women living in poverty. Taking into consideration these social determinants of health, nurses must engage in critical reflection to analyze personal values as they seek to improve future care, especially in situations where the nurse’s values conflict with the values of the patient or family.