Training and technical assistance

Access to Indigenous languages Changes in demographics in the last few years have shown an increasing number of Indigenous peoples of Latin America arriving at the border and asking for asylum. Although Census data shows increases as well, there are big levels of underreporting due to many factors including the way […]

The Enhancing Court Access to Survivors from Diverse Communities Training provides an opportunity to study and interact with court personnel and family violence and sexual assault advocates who aim to improve their provision of culturally responsive approaches to domestic and sexual violence victims in the courts. This project was supported by […]

COVID-19 promising practices Service providers have adapted to challenges during the pandemic using technology and creativity. New innovations in technology have allowed survivors to file protection or restraining orders in the civil legal system. Assessing promising practices and the impact of the pandemic is critical to survivors receiving safety and justice […]

Trauma-informed courts Trauma-informed courts are helpful in preventing or mitigating re-traumatization among survivors. At Esperanza United, we collaborate with partners that implement trauma-formed practices to better serve survivors accessing institutions such as courts.  As a leader in defining trauma-informed approaches, Esperanza United and our culturally-specific partners expand the definition of “trauma-informed” […]

Racial bias As an organization founded by Latina women, Esperanza United knows having an intersectional lens is critical to the work we do. Data shows that survivors who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or other women of color experience more negative outcomes in the courts. However, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) […]

Cultural responsiveness On Esperanza United’s YouTube channel, we have a playlist of recorded trainings on enhancing cultural Responsiveness in the courts. Here are a few highlights and additional resources: Enhancing Court Access: Training Curriculum The Enhancing Court Access to Survivors from Diverse Communities Training is a curriculum to help court personnel […]

Glossary of legal terms English This glossary of domestic violence legal terms is a reference tool for advocates who help survivors with court cases or criminal proceedings. Glossary   Chuukese This glossary of domestic violence legal terms is translated into Chukenese to create language access for this Indigenouse ethnic group. Glossary […]

“It shouldn’t rest on me” Providing meaningful language access and avoiding the use of children as interpreters  The use of certified or qualified interpreters and certified bilingual officers is considered a best practice for language access provision. Using unqualified interpreters, family members, children or bystanders as a means for communicating with […]

Advocates’ tool: Increasing language access in the courts The Increasing language access in the courts tool: Examines advocates’ observations about the court experiences of survivors with LEP Offers guidance and resources to build systems change efforts for language accessibility In 2013, Esperanza United, then Casa de Esperanza, conducted a nationwide assessment […]

Language access Individuals who are limited English proficient (LEP) are those for whom English is not their primary language and they have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. Immigrants to the United States come from many language backgrounds and while some speak English very well, approximately half […]