Celebrating the Latina Project

National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th to October 15th), is a time to celebrate the cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The theme for 2021 is: "Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope" and Journey Center honors the important work of our Latina Domestic Violence Project (LDVP). LDVP offers services to facilitate safe options and stability for Latina victims of domestic violence and their children.

Journey Center’s culturally-sensitive services take into consideration the realities of Latina life, including cultural diversity and specific values (importance of family unity, religious beliefs, family privacy, confidentiality).

About 1 in 3 Latinas will experience domestic violence during their lifetime and 1 in 12 Latinas have experienced domestic violence in the previous 12 months.

Latina victims face unique obstacles to receiving help such as fear of deportation, social isolation, misinformation and lack of knowledge about legal rights and/or law enforcement capabilities and structure, language differences, and limited knowledge of social service resources.

All services are bilingual, free, and confidential:

  • Justice System Advocacy for victims involved in criminal or civil proceedings

  • Personal advocacy and escorts to police departments and hospitals

  • Emotional support, information, assistance developing a safety plan, information about legal resources, referrals, etc.

  • Information about legal remedies for battered immigrants and referrals

  • Shelter for women and their children (Spanish-speaking staff and volunteers available)

  • Spanish Support Group: weekly meetings in Spanish that offer a safe place to share experiences, learn about domestic violence and consider options

The Latina Project also provides educational services in the community and public awareness work on issues related to domestic violence through partnerships with Hispanic organizations, presentations at schools, churches, various associations and other initiatives.

Journey Center’s Latina Domestic Violence Project served 112 victims of domestic violence last year. To learn more, click here. To help support Journey Center's Latina Project, click here.

journey newsMegan GergenJourney Center, Latina Project, Hispanic Heritage Month