Famous Latinas Who Battled Domestic Violence and Prevailed
Celebrity Latinas in the limelight have spoken out about domestic violence in the past, and many have gained strength and continue in their efforts to help other women in need.
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which takes place during the month of October, Latina Magazine highlights these powerful women who have encountered and overcome domestic abuse.
"One in four women are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives, with 20 percent of women in Hispanic households suffering partner violence," the magazine reports.
Latina Magazine took a closer look at some amazing Latinas who overcame abuse and are bringing awareness to the issue:
Christina Aguilera:
Childhood wasn't easy for "The Voice" judge and vocal powerhouse, Christina Aguilera; in fact she endured some traumatic incidences while growing up.
"Christina Aguilera dealt with abuse from her father, who abused both her mother and her. In a documentary, Christina's mother told the story of how she once found Christina with blood dripping from her chin at the age of four, apparently at the hands of Christina's father," Latina reports.
The 32-year-old singer is estranged from her Ecuadorian father, Fausto Aguilera (her American mother has German, English, Irish, Scots-Irish, and French ancestry).
Aguilera has spoken about her traumatic childhood, and previously said she was emotionally and physically abused by her father. She once told E! News, "Growing up I did not feel safe. Feeling powerless is the worst feeling in the world. I turned to singing as an outlet. The pain at home is where my love for music came from," the Huffington Post reports.
The "Burlesque" actress said she was estranged from her father for more than a decade, until they briefly reunited in 2009, but she felt the past was too painful to let him back into her life.
"I let him back into my life briefly but I soon realized that he is not necessary in my life," she told the magazine.
The pop star revealed to Glamour in 2007, "I work very closely with a shelter near Pittsburgh. One day I hope to open a shelter of my own. I think it's really important to share my own story with women who've been abused, because going through that experience has led me to where I am today: It's given me the strength and motivation to be the best that I can be."
Mariah Carey:
Chart-topper Mariah Carey, who is of African American, Venezuelan and Irish decent, admitted to being emotionally abused by an ex-boyfriend in 2009 on CNN's "Larry King Live."
"I just think you get into a situation and you feel locked in -- if your situation is similar to one of the situations I've been in, which I won't harp on," she said." Latina points out that the singer was luckily able to get out and move on -- marrying "America's Got Talent" host, Nick Cannon in 2008.
The 43-year-old singer is looking forward to releasing her new album, "The Art of Letting Go," which was supposed to be released this summer, but the project was delayed. The singer refers to this album, (which is led by hit single "#Beautiful" with Miguel) as "one of the most important albums I've ever made in my life."
Ana Ortiz:
Best known for her role as Hilda Suarez in the ABC comedy-drama series "Ugly Betty," actress Ana Ortiz also found herself in an abusive relationship that she struggled to get out of during her 20s.
Ortiz, who is of Puerto Rican and Irish decent, told People en Español: "When I was younger, I had a charismatic boyfriend with a mean streak and I allowed myself to become entangled. It all started in a very innocent way. He began to embarrass me, insult me and humiliate me. Then he started to flirt with my girlfriends in front of me and that escalated into physical violence. I was fortunate that I could trust my mother, who realized what was happening and got me to tell her what was going on without passing judgment. She was the help I needed."
The brave actress, who is currently starring as Marisol Suarez in the Lifetime comedy-drama series "Devious Maids," now speaks out about her experience with domestic violence and has partnered with campaigns to stop the abuse.
For a complete list of strong Latinas who overcame domestic violence, check out Latina Magazine.
If you or someone you know is being abused, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).