BUILDING THE LATINX CONNECTION
CFJ is pleased to announce that our LatinX Bilingual Domestic Violence Advocacy Team has expanded its staff, providing crisis and supportive services to our Spanish-speaking clients.
Since its inception last year, the LatinX team has provided direct services to 248 CFJ clients impacted by domestic violence. Recently, Laura Silva, an experienced member of CFJ’s Direct Services Team with advanced clinical training, was promoted to a new role as LatinX Team Coordinator. She is joined on the team by two Adult Domestic Violence Advocates, Erika Sanchez, formerly one of CFJ’s Campus Advocates, and Kasey Borgas, a new CFJ employee.
CFJ's LatinX Team (l-r): Kasey Borgas, Erika Sanchez, Laura Silva
Plans are in place to expand the team’s reach and impact by adding therapeutic clinical services specifically for our Spanish-speaking clients who have experienced the trauma of domestic violence.
“Growing the team means we can help more people who need us,” explains Silva. “It is really important that our staff who are bilingual, culturally competent and can understand the nuances of our clients’ needs are available to our Spanish-speaking clients. I am so excited to see what we can accomplish together and for our clients as the unit continues to grow.”
The LatinX Team is Critical Because ...
The Latinx community faces unique challenges in coping with domestic violence and patterns of help-seeking behavior. Several social, cultural, and political barriers exist for abused members, including social isolation, language barriers, discrimination, fear of deportation, dedication to the family, shame, and cultural stigma.
