Abstract: This paper, based on broader discussions surrounding gender violence and
immigration in the U.S., provides critical information on the historical context of extreme
violence against women and femicide plaguing Central American societies today.
Drawing on experiences of precedent setting cases of Guatemalan women, the authors
offer suggestions for culturally specific treatment of and support for women who seek
asylum in the U.S. out of justified fear for their and their family members’ lives should
they return to their country of origin. The arguments presented are predicated on the
belief that women worldwide share experiences of myriad forms of male domination and
gender inequality which, however, play out differently on their bodies and lives in ways
that must be accounted for in our attempt to offer them appropriate care and assist them
in creating the tools they need to change their circumstances.