SAN DIEGO — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to empower survivors and inform the community about the help available.
CBS 8 spoke to the entertainment education organization, Population Media Center,’ about challenges Latina women face when seeking help.
“Some include immigration fears…you know concerns about legal status can prevent women from reaching out. Other is economic challenges; some of them financially depend on the abusers and that makes it hard for them to leave violent situations,” Population Media Center Program Manager Beatriz Najera said.
These challenges make it even more difficult for them to reach out for help.
"Specifically in California, 1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime," Najera said.
In September, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office and the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego signed a Memorandum of Understanding to help Mexican Nationals experiencing domestic violence in San Diego.
‘Your Safe Place,’ A Family Justice Center offers confidential services to survivors regardless of their immigration status.
Meanwhile, Population Media Center is running a Spanish audio novela where domestic violence is one of the main topics addressed.
“It is not a one day, a one month initiative, it is something that we can all learn and apply in our everyday lives,” Najera said.
PMC partners with the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Love is Respect to provide care for people in need of help.
If you or someone you love is in a relationship that may involve abuse, there is help available. Here are some resources with people to talk to and places to turn to for assistance:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or follow the link to live chat with someone. Additional national resources and a chat online feature. San Diego resources and phone numbers can be found here.
- YWCA San Diego County empowers individuals and families to break the cycle of domestic violence and homelessness, and achieve self-sufficiency.
- Center for Community Solutions San Diego provides no-cost 30-day emergency shelter program for domestic violence victims and their children.