Casaluz seeks support for the culturally specific access to victims services project to continue addressing the need for culturally/linguistically specific victim advocacy and support services to…

Casaluz seeks support for the culturally specific access to victims services project to continue addressing the need for culturally/linguistically specific victim advocacy and support services to limited english proficient (LEP) hispanic/latinx immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related crimes in the memphis, TN area. This work will advance racial equity and increase accessibility to advocacy, support services, and mental health counseling to a vulnerable, underserved population. The project includes support for casaluz's ongoing work with local law enforcement, the judicial system, other agencies on institutional acknowledgement and recognition of challenges in cultural/linguistic sensitivity and responding to hispanic/latinx victims. Primary project activities: victim-centered and trauma-informed services provided by a bilingual/bicultural advocate and a counselor through reflective listening, legal advocacy (including understanding legal rights and access to criminal injury compensation), case management, safety planning, lethality assessments, crisis intervention, counseling, and support groups. There is no other program in the area providing culturally specific services to LEP hispanic/latinx immigrant victims. In the past two years under an OVC enhancing language and other access to services grant, casaluz has strengthened partnerships with local law enforcement to develop strategies in responding to hispanic/latinx victims with a culturally sensitive approach, improve victims' accessibility and awareness of rights, and address gaps of mistrust in the community. This includes collaborating on community education efforts and providing trainings on title VI, cultural sensitivity and assisting LEP hispanic/latinx immigrant victims. This new OVC opportunity would allow casaluz to enhance ongoing partnerships and continue the momentum of this important work. Project goals include providing underserved LEP hispanic/latinx immigrant crime victims with trauma-informed and culturally/linguistically specific direct services, mental health services and victim advocacy; developing and enhancing strategies to provide culturally specific services and improve accessibility for crime victims; and determining best practices and lessons learned to improve accessibility. Expected outcomes include providing advocacy to a minimum of 120 new clients and mental health services to a minimum of 40; creating an accessibility plan; and conducting a minimum of six trainings for law enforcement and other agencies. Casaluz will utilize an outcomes-based program evaluation to measure project general progress and progress toward goals. Evaluation methods include a baseline intake, a pre-test and post-test that illustrate new information clients received through the program, an exit/satisfaction survey, in-person and telephone follow-up interviews, and a data dashboard.