It can be difficult for any person experiencing sexual and domestic violence to seek support and find the resources they need. For some Latin@ survivors, cultural and language barriers can add to these challenges. One in three Latin@ women has experienced physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. And 50% of survivors never report their abuse.

Sexual and domestic violence can happen to anyone from any background. We can support all survivors by learning about, respecting, and responding to their different experiences.

Here are a few obstacles some Latin@s may face as they seek help for sexual and domestic violence.

Immigration

Since 2016, reports of sexual assault and domestic violence have significantly dropped in cities across the United States. Law enforcement in large cities like Los Angeles and Houston say undocumented immigrants’ fear of deportation may be contributing to the drop in reports.

In intimate partner relationships, abusers may threaten or intimidate survivors based on their immigration status if they try to leave the relationship. Lawyers specializing in immigration cases can help survivors understand their rights. WomensLaw.org offers a list of resources for undocumented immigrants looking for legal help as they try to escape a violent relationship.

Language

Survivors may have trouble finding services if they only speak Spanish. One in three shelters in the U.S. do not have any Spanish-speaking staff members, according to the National Latin@ Network. Hospitals and rape crisis centers may not have bilingual services available for survivors. Survivors who don’t speak English may have to rely on a loved one willing to serve as an interpreter. This can cause vicarious trauma for those who become translators.

It can also be challenging for survivors to learn about sexual and domestic violence and how to get help. Educational materials and handouts from service providers offering information for survivors may only be in English; if translated versions are available, they may not be completely accurate or comprehensive.

If centers and service providers who work directly with survivors invest in bilingual materials, as well as hire advocates who speak languages other than English, survivors with language barriers could get the help they need. We offer a list of resources for survivors and their loved ones who speak Spanish, including how to connect to Spanish-speaking advocates.

Family

Some Latin@s’ roles within their families can influence their decisions to seek help for abuse. Many Latin@ mothers in an abusive relationship may be concerned about how leaving the relationship will affect their children and their needs. Survivors from any background may feel they cannot escape the abuse because they think there is an expectation to keep their family intact. They may also feel like they need their partner to financially support them and their children.

A trusted family member or friend can offer support to a survivor as they make decisions about their future.

Religion

Some Latin@ survivors’ religious beliefs may stop them from coming forward with their experiences, especially if they are being abused by their married partner. Certain religions and cultural religious groups discourage divorce so adamantly that a survivor may feel like they are breaking their religious vows if they decide to leave an abusive marriage.

In addition, according to the National Latin@ Network, “negative and/or uninformed reactions of religious leaders to disclosures of intimate partner violence often result in Latin@ survivors feeling responsible for making their marriage work regardless of the violence they are experiencing.”

Si usted o alguien que usted conoce necesita ayuda, recursos están disponibles. No está sola. Si necesita ayuda en Español, visite nuestras páginas. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual or domestic violence, you are not alone. For support after sexual assault, contact RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) at 1-800-656-4673 or chat at online.rain.org. For support on domestic violence issues, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224. Learn how you can support a survivor.