Today, Carrizo has not only escaped but transformed her trauma into purpose. Through the Latin DV project at Journey Center, she accessed Spanish-speaking therapy, pro-bono immigration attorneys, shelter, and eventually applied for a U visa, which allows undocumented victims of crimes to live and work in the US. Now a citizen, she helps others just like her. "They gave me a second chance to live," she says, extending the same message to all in domestically violent situations: "You are not alone, you have help outside, you can call us and you can have a second chance".
"He put a knife on my throat and he said he's going leave me dead, in front of my girls," recalls Alicia Carrizo, a mother of five who survived an 18-year domestically violent marriage. As a Latina living in the U.S. without papers or English language skills, Carrizo faced challenges that multiplied her danger. "All my family brothers, sisters and my parents are back in Argentina. So I don't have anybody. I don't know the law. I didn't speak English at all," she says.
"We provide referrals to different programs they can access. For example, if they need a protection order, we also offer domestic violence education. We also provide support for court and doctor visits, and school transfers," says Nancy Castellanos, the director of Abriendo Puertas. The program helps survivors find employment and financial education, even offering savings matches to jumpstart their financial journey. latina abuse alicia top
: Sharing stories like Alicia Top's can inspire hope and action, demonstrating that change is possible.
Knowing the intent will help me give you the right information. Today, Carrizo has not only escaped but transformed
(commitment to family) can lead to a higher tolerance for abuse and a reluctance to seek external help. Alicia Martínez: A Fight for Freedom
Moreover, the fear of deportation and the current political climate can significantly affect immigrant Latinas, making them even more vulnerable to abuse. Without a clear understanding of their rights or access to resources, immigrant victims may be reluctant to seek help, fearing retaliation against themselves or their loved ones. "They gave me a second chance to live,"
Survivors of abuse within Hispanic and Latina populations frequently navigate a complex web of overlapping vulnerabilities. These factors can exacerbate the severity of domestic violence and make seeking help significantly more challenging: