Supporting Marginalized Communities

All too often, the struggles experienced by victim-survivors fall through the cracks due to systematic oppression, racism, cultural barriers, and overall lack of resources.

We are dedicated to addressing this gap experienced by victim-survivors of power-based violence in underserved communities.

In November 2023, the Nevada Coalition to END Domestic and Sexual Violence held listening sessions with members of underserved communities to better understand the barriers they face.

The feedback from these sessions was used to develop training for direct service providers on how to better serve these communities.

Ways Advocates Can Support Survivors from Marginalized Communities

Understanding Barriers

There are a number of barriers that prevent victim-survivors from seeking help. Victim-survivors from marginalized groups in particular can face significant challenges:

  • High costs of mental health care
  • Familial shame around mental health
  • Cultural stigma of mental illness
  • Lack of diversity in health care
  • Lack of cultural competency amongst providers
  • Whiteness as a foundation of mental health care
  • Distrust of the medical industry
  • Difficulty navigating the process
  • Emotional hesitation
  • Negative past experiences

Take an Intersectional, Trauma-Informed Approach to Care

Understand that each person lives as the intersection of multiple identities, creating their own unique experiences and barriers as a victim-survivor. There is no “one-size-fits-all” model to supporting victim-survivors.

Taking an intersectional approach to care is critical because having multiple marginalized identities increase the risk of victimization and the barriers to seeking help.

Advocates can take an intersectional approach to care by:

  • Acknowledging the existence of structural racism.
  • Address their location in the matrix of privilege and oppression.
  • Acknowledge how intersecting identities can create resilience.
  • Learn about multiple intersecting identities in the lives of marginalized victim-survivors.

Serving Survivors in the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Communities

June 26, 2024

10:00 AM -11:30 AM

This presentation will explore the unique needs of and challenges faced by survivors from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities, identify best practices for service providers, and equip advocates with resources to provide culturally and linguistically competent services.

Learn More and Register Here

Serving Survivors in Black Communities

July 10, 2024

10:00 AM -11:30 AM

During this presentation, we will delve into the history, prevalence, and impact of domestic and sexual violence on individuals in the Black community. We will identify the unique barriers faced by the individuals from this community when seeking and receiving services. We will explore strategies for agencies and equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to better foster an inclusive and supportive environment for survivors.

Learn More & Register Here

Supporting Survivors from the AANHPI Communities

August 22, 2024

10:00 AM -11:30 AM

During this presentation we will identify who makes up the diverse AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander) communities and we will explore the scope and impact that domestic and sexual violence have on these communities. We will identify culturally specific barriers to individuals seeking services and steps advocates can take to eliminate those barriers best meet the needs of survivors.

Learn More & Register Here

This project was supported by sub-grant 2023-VAWA-28 awarded by the Nevada Office of the Attorney General through Grant Number 15JOVW-21-GG-00539-STOP awarded by the OVW, U.S. Department of Justice.  The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this workshop are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Nevada OAG Office or the Department of Justice.

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