2024 ICADV Fall Conference

The intersection of immigration status and domestic and sexual violence (referred to here as DSV) presents unique challenges, obstacles, and considerations for survivors. Immigrant communities experience DSV at rates that meet or exceed those of the population as a whole. Immigrant communities also experience the convergence of many other risk factors for DSV including inadequate education, past victimization and prior trauma, financial vulnerability, inexperience with cultural norms in the United States, and racism. Where a noncitizen is the survivor of DSV, an abuser may often use the noncitizen’s immigration status as tool to further violence, including threats of deportation and reporting to immigration officials and isolating the noncitizen from available resources, including law enforcement.    This presentation will seek to explain the confluence of immigration status and DSV through a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive lens. We will explain the ways that immigration status may be a risk factor for DSV and, importantly, what types of immigration relief are available to noncitizen survivors of DSV. We will address how service providers can further equitable access to help through language access and culturally responsive practices.

Examine the connection between substance abuse, addiction, and domestic violence. Gain insights into historical, medical, and community viewpoints on addiction, obstacles to recovery, and effective strategies for empowering survivors.

This workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to support the mental health and well-being of the Latino community in Indiana. Key topics include understanding trauma, cultural considerations, and effective advocacy strategies. Participants will learn how to create trauma-informed spaces and promote resilience among Latino individuals and families. The workshop emphasizes community-led, trauma-informed, resilience-focused, and healing-centered approaches.

In cases where a survivor does not feel safe or supported in testifying at trial, the voice of the survivor can  still be heard. Advocates who spend every day working with survivors through their trauma and healing can  provide knowledge and context when discussing the issue of intimate partner violence, counteracting the myths  and misconeptions that often lead to a lack of accountability for partners causing harm. This workshop will  explore the legal basis that allows advocates to testify and the communication strategies that advocates can use  when called upon to testify. The facilitators will also discuss some common dos and don'ts to help advocates  grow comfortable with the process of testifying in court.