https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801220981145 Violence Against Women © The Author(s) 2021 Article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions DOI: 10.1177/1077801220981145 journals.sagepub.com/home/vaw Research Article Intimate Partner Violence Against Indigenous Women in Sololá, Guatemala: Qualitative Insights Into Perspectives of Service Providers Zoë Elspeth Wands 1 and Tolib Mirzoev 1 Abstract Over a third of women in Guatemala are subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV). Indigenous Mayan women are particularly vulnerable, due to the intersection of race, gender, and poverty. However, no research exists into the causes of IPV among this group. Our pioneering study addresses this knowledge gap. Our results from in-depth interviews with service providers in Sololá highlight four interlinked causes of IPV: rigid gender roles, lack of awareness of women’s rights, use of alcohol by men, and poor reproductive health. From these, we draw implications for service provision to victims of IPV. Keywords intimate partner violence, Guatemala, indigenous Introduction Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as “behaviour by an intimate partner or ex- partner that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm” (World Health Organization [WHO], 2017, p. 1). This may consist of physical, sexual, or psychological violence or controlling behaviors (WHO, 2012). IPV can have a serious effect on the physical and mental health of victims, either directly from injury or in the form of chronic health 1 University of Leeds, UK Corresponding Author: Zoë Elspeth Wands, Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, Worsley Building, University of Leeds, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. Email: zoe.wands@nhs.net 981145VAW XX X 10.1177/1077801220981145Violence Against WomenWands and Mirzoev research-article 2021 2022, Vol. 28(1) 150–168