Knowledge Base

Research suggests that while rates of GBV such as intimate partner violence (IPV) are 1 in 3 among cisgender women13, more than half of transgender Latinas may experience some form of GBV in their lifetime.8 Transgender Latina survivors are an understudied and underserved group in gender-based violence (GBV) advocacy. This factsheet […]

Signs of domestic violence Are you frightened by your partner’s temper? Are you afraid to disagree? Do you have to justify everything you do, every place you go or every person you see to avoid someone’s anger? Does your partner put you down and then tell you that he or she […]

What is elder abuse? Any action that causes harm or distress to an older person. Elder abuse occurs within the context of trusting familial or care-taking relationships and can include neglect as well as threats or the actual use of physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, psychological, or financial abuse. Funding for this […]

Rates, risks, and protective factors Teen dating violence (TDV) refers to violence that occurs between partners in a dating, romantic, or close relationship. TDV can occur in person or electronically (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). This factsheet summarizes recent rates of TDV among Latin@ youth and culturally specific […]

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 […]