Esperanza United

Prevention and social change (psc) - the prevention and social change team focuses on developing the leadership and community capacity of latin@s of all ages to end domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. Over the last year we implemented 10 initiatives designed to engage youth, men, and community leaders in creating systemic change. Our work with young people, including leadership training and mentorship, impacted approximately 400 individuals, with 88% gaining an understanding of the effects of domestic violence on children and acquiring tools to ensure their children's safety. Additionally, 100% of parents working with our team felt more confident in their parenting abilities. Our padres en liderazgo program empowered latin@ parents and youth by addressing critical topics such as domestic violence, mental health, and adolescent communication. This year, eight outstanding teen leaders organized the 2024 youth conference, connecting with 54 local students in topics including healthy and unhealthy relationships, embracing change, hidden stories: empowering youth against human trafficking, credit craft: mastering the art of credit building and healing. We also hosted recreational events, such as fishing outings, where 64 participants learned about healthy relationships in a fun outdoor setting. The continuing focus with the young people we serve is to build new peer relationships, gain confidence in their roles as community leaders, and take action to promote healthy relationships through participation in our programming.

Training and technical assistance (tta) -the training and technical assistance team provides education, consultation and strategic support to multidisciplinary professionals, organizations and local government agencies across the country and puerto rico. During the past year, the training and technical assistance team provided 52 training programs, and 473 technical assistance consultations reaching over 1061 individuals nationwide, as well as published podcasts, newsletters, and educational materials. Overall, our training and technical assistance services reached more than 4,000 individuals, delivering culturally responsive and trauma informed approaches and equipping professionals across the country with tools to better serve latin@ survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault.

The research and evaluation team, through a partnership with the university of new haven, conducts community based participatory research on the intersections of domestic violence and latin@ identity the team conducts literature reviews to support the training and technical assistance team with the provision of evidence based best practices assistance to organizations nationwide. This past year, our research focused on advancing culturally responsive solutions for latin@ communities. Key highlights include using photovoice in youth participatory action research, collaborating on national studies, publishing peer-reviewed papers on intimate partner homicide prevention, and mentoring student researchers. These efforts helped fill knowledge gaps and provided actionable insights to better support latin@ survivors. Our research led to four presentations in prestigious conference including american public health association, 2024 resiliencecon, specialized services for abused parents and children's 2024 peer to peer convening and the society for the psychological study of social issues. Through these initiatives, we contributed to expanding the knowledge base on culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices, furthering the development of effective programs for latin@ communities.the public policy team works to ensure that policies nationwide are responsive to the needs and realities of latin@ communities and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault, advocating for enhanced rights and protections for survivors. This year, key achievements included advocating for the crime victim fund and contributing to the national hispanic leadership agenda's policy agenda. We raised awareness about survivors' challenges by leading the wise act advocacy and participating in congressional briefings through partnerships with national organizations. We addressed harmful policies and enhanced access to safety for survivors and their children. The public policy team co-chaired the alliance for immigrant survivors and the nhla latina taskforce. Key information was also disseminated regarding the crime victim fund and the victims of crime act.