This cross-sectional study examined how fatalistic beliefs, stigma, IPV victimization types (psychological, physical, sexual, economic), and service utilization relate to depression, anxiety, and PTSD among 394 racially/ethnically diverse women survivors recruited from domestic violence organizations in New Jersey, New York, and Puerto Rico, with a focus on Latinas and the moderating roles of Latina ethnicity and primary language (Spanish vs. English).
Fatalistic beliefs were indirectly linked to anxiety (significant only among English-speaking survivors) and PTSD (significant only among Spanish-speaking survivors) through IPV exposure. Economic abuse was associated with depressive symptoms across all groups except English speakers. Service utilization was linked to lower mental health symptoms for most groups but not for Spanish-speaking survivors, suggesting structural barriers to care.
Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference. Sample was recruited from domestic violence organizations, limiting generalizability to survivors who never seek formal services. Language was used as a proxy for cultural factors, which may oversimplify complex acculturation dynamics.
Clinicians serving Spanish-speaking IPV survivors should screen for PTSD linked to fatalistic beliefs and recognize that standard services may not be reducing symptoms in this group — culturally and linguistically adapted interventions are needed. Economic abuse should be routinely assessed as a driver of depression, especially among non-English-speaking survivors.
