Knowledge Base

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 […]

Enhancing court access to survivors from diverse communities This toolkit provides resources for judges, court administrators, advocates, and law enforcement professionals who are striving to make systems more accessible for survivors with intersectional identities or individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). The tabs at the top link to: Tools for judges, advocates and […]

This conversation guide for parents and caregivers was developed by NO MORE, in collaboration with Esperanza United, to help parents navigate difficult conversations with their children about engaging in healthy communications, healthy relationships, and healthy sexuality.  Last updated 2021

Engage the community  Complete the Organizational capacity assessment one section at a time by following the links below or using the navigation above. 7. Community engagement   Assess your organizational capacity by looking at your Community engagement 8. Volunteers   Assess your organizational capacity by looking at your Volunteers 9. Fundraising development […]