In February 2010, Congress introduced an incredible piece of legislation called the International Violence Against Women Act. As an important addition to the domestic Violence Against Women Act of 1994, this bill will increase the United States’ accountability in advocating for women’s safety world-wide. Perhaps the most important aspect of the legislation is the following: “The bill addresses, for the first time, violence against women and girls through all relevant US foreign policy efforts, including its international assistance programs,” Shahid and Sharma wrote. “It would also make the issue a diplomatic priority for the first time, asking the United States to respond within three months to horrific acts of violence against women and girls committed during conflict and war.” Read the full article here. While the bill is in an excellent position to get passed, it is not there yet. To find out more about the International Violence Against Women [...]

When working with undocumented survivors, there are many legal matters to be considered before taking a step towards leaving the abusive relationship; family law, victim’s rights, and immigration law. It is important to know the legal avenues available and to support this legislation that aids the survivor. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was passed in September 1994. It was reauthorized in 2000 and again in 2005. VAWA will be up for reauthorization in 2011. Under VAWA, Congress recognized that an aggressor can use the spouse’s undocumented status against them as a form of abuse.  The VAWA legislation created a special resolution to keep US citizens and permanent residents from manipulating the immigration process and its laws to continue controlling their immigrant wife. VAWA allows the immigrant survivor to submit a self-petition and obtain permanent residence without the abuser’s help, protecting her from further abuse. In October 2000, Congress created [...]

I recently had a conversation with my dear friend who worked with the Peruvian Consulate here in Atlanta. He shared with me that in Peru most of the traffic officers are women. When I asked him why he said, “Because women are considered honest workers and less likely to take a bribe”. I felt a great sense of pride at being a Hispanic woman, and this feeling carried me through the day with strength, but it also made think about the things that make Hispanic women feel strong and empowered. And why is that important? As you may already know, it is a myth that survivors of intimate partner violence have self-esteem issues, but they will end up with low self-esteem as a result of the abuse. Empowering Hispanic women and helping them become leaders is key in eradicating intimate partner violence in the Hispanic community. I went to the [...]

Let’s look at some words. Survivor.  This word has to be one of the most empowering words in the English language today (and my favorite within the domestic violence movement).  Immigrant.  What feelings do you believe that word conjures in the minds of many in this country today given the current political climate?  How about: “Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence and politically-charged barriers to escaping abuse.” Talk about a loaded statement! I ask that you consider the current language surrounding immigrants (both documented and undocumented) that has become so popular in some political and social circles in this country.  I then plead that you consider the effects such language and resulting laws have on a woman trapped in an abusive relationship who also happens to be an immigrant. Faced with what are often visceral attitudes towards immigrants by some and laws that she is terrified of, she becomes too scared [...]

Machismo (mä-chēz’mō): A strong sense of masculine pride : an exaggerated masculinity. While “machismo”  is frequently mentioned when discussing the perpetuation of spouse abuse in the Latino community, it is not the singular, or even the most important topic of discussion.  Let’s think further than machismo.  Let’s discuss action-centered questions/solutions such as: Why is the Latino community one that, given the resources, is well-suited to combat this issue?  What is it about Latino-culture that can help us, ultimately, to end domestic violence? While Latinos do come from many diverse backgrounds, there are several characteristics that form the threads that run throughout many Latino groups: 1. Family is the center of life. Latino batterers, like all batterers, must be held accountable for abuse.  Sending a strong message to batterers that their behavior is detrimental to the family, their children and ultimately, their “cultura” may be beneficial in convincing them to seek help. [...]