MEXICO

ARCHES in Mexico

Problem: In 2016, the Mexican National Statistics Office (INEGI) conducted a survey which found that 44% of women in relationships had experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), with 2 in 5 reporting experiencing sexual IPV. In 2021, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography of Mexico (INEGI), through its National Survey on the Dynamics of Household Relationships (ENDIREH) reported that, in the Mexican Republic 40% of women have experienced IPV. Also, 7% have experienced sexual IPV. Studies in Mexico, as elsewhere, have shown that reproductive coercion is particularly associated with experience of physical and sexual IPV. 

Overview: ARCHES has been adapted in two separate capacities in Mexico – first for adolescents and youth in public clinics along the border in Tijuana and separately for International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) member affiliate MexFam in Mexico City.

  • Purpose: To adapt ARCHES for users of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Family Planning services in private clinics of Mexfam in Mexico City.
  • Timeline: 2022-2023, completed
  • Context: Mexfam’s sexual and reproductive health and primary care service units in and around Mexico City.
  • Primary goals: To adapt ARCHES in a way that is feasible, acceptable and effective in improving women’s ability to make autonomous decisions about contraceptive use, even when faced with opposition and violence they may be facing.
  • Evaluation design: No evaluation completed.
  • Adaptation: Adaptation was based on the results of formative research with women, health care providers, and administrative stakeholders and structured facility assessments in a participatory process.
  • Partners and funding: GEH-UCSD, International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Fundación Mexicana para la Planeación Familiar A.C., Mexfam.