A cross-cultural mixed-methods approach to the conceptualisation of domestic violence in the United Kingdom and Peru

The lack of cross-cultural research on Domestic Violence (DV) for Latinx populations has left a disparity in culturally-informed frameworks and guidelines for best practice. This study proposes that understanding cultural constructs of DV contributes to the formulation of culturally-relevant programmes. Forty-one participants (21 from the UK and 20 from Peru) responded to a mixed-methods designed study that examined the definition of DV and blame attribution, using the Domestic Violence Blame Scale (DVBS). Results revealed the Peruvian public had significantly higher levels of blame attribution in societal, situational and victim blaming than the UK public. However, both the UK and Peru had aligning perpetrator blame attitude scores. This study also found crucial differences when defining DV, its associated characteristic behaviours, and the perception of who can be affected by DV. These findings could be implemented into existing practices to account for the needs of Latinx populations living in the UK.