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When a Spanish-speaking father picked up the phone to call Esperanza United, he did it with a knot in his throat. He wasn’t sure anyone would believe him. In his mind, echoed the same old phrases he had heard too many times: “Men are not victims. Men endure. Men don’t cry.” […]
Marina Lacerda, Danielle Bensky, Anouska De Georgiou, Courtney Wild, Haley Robson, Annie Farmer, Teresa Helm, Liz Stein, Jena-Lisa Jones, Lisa Phillips, Jess Michaels — and every survivor who stood, spoke, or showed up — thank you. Thank you for speaking up for those who are no longer here, and for saying […]
Dear OVW Grantees, We are pleased to announce that ASISTA, Esperanza United, the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV), and Ujima, The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, have come together as a Culturally Specific Resource Consortium (CSRC). The CSRC is a training and technical assistance […]
At Esperanza United, we know no single organization or person is going to end gender-based violence alone – it will take communities, working together. That’s why Latina leadership and community-based solutions are two of our organizational values. To advance this strengths-based approach, Esperanza United President and CEO Vivian Huelgo, J.D. is […]
In this special Hispanic Heritage Month episode, we are joined by Dr. Raquel Z. Rivera, a writer, professor, researcher, and singer whose work is deeply rooted in Caribbean musical traditions. We talk about her fascination with music as a tool for memory and expression, her studies of hip hop and reggaetón, […]
Supporting Latin@ survivors of intimate partner violence through faith-based community engagement Faith-based organizations often serve as trusted hubs for spiritual, emotional, and material support. For Latin@ survivors of intimate partner violence, these spaces can be both healing and challenging. Domestic violence organizations can better support survivors by building intentional partnerships with […]
Through active participation in research, youth develop critical skills while addressing issues that deeply matter to their communities. Youth participatory action research (YPAR) supports youth on their path to academic and professional success and creates opportunities to reflect on the root causes of social problems. It also promotes civic engagement, leadership, […]
Burnout matters in domestic violence and sexual assault organizations because advocates carry a heavy emotional and practical load. They are often exposed to stories and experiences of violence through their clients, while also navigating their own personal histories. At the same time, they juggle high caseloads, limited resources, and the lasting […]
In this episode of Conversations over Cafecito, we talk with Sergio Piñeros, a young Colombian entrepreneur and member of Esperanza United’s Youth Action Committee. Sergio shares how his experience with Free Arts — a program that uses art as a tool for healing among youth — inspired him to get involved […]
Survivors like Laura find safety, reunite with their children, and begin a path toward lasting healing with Esperanza United’s advocacy and support. Laura’s story reminds us of what is possible when culturally specific support meets resilience. Earlier this year, Laura*, a Latina mother outside the metro area of Minnesota, fled severe […]