https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659618766215 Journal of Transcultural Nursing 1–8 © The Author(s) 2018 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1043659618766215 journals.sagepub.com/home/tcn Research Latinos now represent 18% of the U.S. population (Krogstad, 2016), and people of Mexican origin are one of the largest Latino subgroups at 64% (Pew Research Center, 2016). Millions of Latino Americans are affected by the current epi- demic of intimate partner violence (IPV), including those living along the Mexico–United States border (Texas Council on Family Violence [TCFV], 2016). Indeed, a recent study conducted on the border found that women of Mexican ori- gin living with IPV have endured dehumanizing physical and sexual acts committed against them, some for as long as 20 years (Montalvo-Liendo, Wardell, Engebretson, & Reininger, 2011). Research shows that men who abuse women are found worldwide and among diverse ethnic groups (World Health Organization [WHO], 2013), but little is known about why Latino men abuse women. This study, therefore, focused on men of Mexican origin in south Texas to better understand why they abuse women, in order to facilitate and design cul- turally appropriate interventions to prevent violence against women. Definitions For the purposes of this study, a childhood adverse event was conceptually defined as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse and witnessing family violence. In Latino cultures, familism is viewed as a strong family connectedness, with the family taking priority over anyone else, including oneself (Campos, Ullman, Aguilera, & Schetter, 2014). Familismo refers to a “sense of loyalty, solidarity, and reciprocity among family members” (Calzada, 2010, p. 169). Respeto is maintaining respect in the family as well as the extended family (Marin & Marin, 1991). Background and Significance IPV is a complex cross-cultural phenomenon (WHO, 2013). There is evidence that women worldwide continue to endure violence by their intimate partners at a rate of 1 in 3 women (WHO, 2013). In south Texas adjacent to the United-States– Mexico border, where this study was conducted, 10 women were killed by their intimate partners from 2011 to 2015 (TCFV, 2016). Although both men and women are known to be perpetrators of abuse, research indicates that most IPV is perpetrated by men (Garcia-Moreno, Guedes, & Knerr, 2012). The literature indicates that men who abuse women come from diverse cultures. Yet most of the literature examining men who abuse women and their characteristics (Heckert & 766215TCN XX X 10.1177/1043659618766215Journal of Transcultural NursingMontalvo-Liendo et al. research-article 2018 1 Texas A&M University Health Science Center, McAllen, TX, USA 2 Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA 3 Texas Woman’s University, Houston, TX, USA 4 Brownsville, TX, USA Corresponding Author: Nora Montalvo-Liendo, PhD, RN, FAAN, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 2101 South McColl Road, McAllen, TX 78503, USA. Email: nmontalvo@tamhsc.edu Men of Mexican Origin Who Abuse Women: A Qualitative Study Nora Montalvo-Liendo, PhD, RN, FAAN 1 , Debra W. Matthews, PhD, RN 2 , Heidi Gilroy, PhD, RN 3 , Angeles Nava, PhD, RN 3 , and Christyn Gangialla, MSN, RN 4 Abstract Background: Current literature indicates that intimate partner violence is a complex phenomenon that exists worldwide. Purpose: However, little is known about why some men of Mexican origin abuse women. This descriptive study was conducted to understand the experiences of men of Mexican origin who abuse their intimate partners. Method: A qualitative research design was used to conduct this study in a south Texas border community adjacent to the United States–Mexico border. Results: This study builds on existing research and furthers the knowledge related to the factors contributing to intimate partner violence, including cultural factors. The results also reinforce the negative impacts of intimate partner violence on children and the family structure. Discussion: Further research is needed to support the development of a culturally appropriate prevention and intervention program for men of Mexican origin who abuse women and their families. Keywords Latino, Mexican origin, men, intimate partner violence, abuse