Hope’s Door Offers Spanish-Speaking Women’s Support Group

In January, Counselors Stephanie Aguayo and Yanira Villaman began a new support group tailored to the cultural and linguistic needs of Spanish-speaking women survivors. According to Director of Community Services Janmarie Brown, “27% of those we served last year were Spanish-speakers, making this support group a critical element in our service delivery program.”

Abuse often presents greater challenges for multi-cultural and immigrant victims due to language and cultural barriers, discrimination, immigration hurdles, xenophobia, and legal status. Yanira Villaman said, “Part of our mission here at Hope’s Door is to help guide our clients during their healing process. Creating a bilingual support group enables us as counselors to have a deeper understanding of our clients’ individual needs.” Stephanie Aguayo added, “Many of the clients we serve are currently going through, or recently have experienced, similar emotions and hardships. By having a safe space to share with other women who understand what it means to be a survivor, I believe that they can help each other grow and not feel so alone.” A member of the support group said, “la vida es una, aqui hay hope,” which translates to, “you only have one life, and here we have hope.”

Valentine’s Day can be a difficult time of year for survivors of abuse. For their February gathering, the group will be participating in activities for “Galentine’s” Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the various loves in your life with your “gal” friends. Stephanie Aguayo says, “Each person will be asked to speak about something that they love deeply; it could be their love for their children, the love of being a nurse, or the love they feel towards their pet. We are trying to convey the message that the day can be about the love of many things in one’s life, not just a romantic partner.”

Learn more about Hope’s Door’s programs and services.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call our 24/7 free and confidential, bilingual hotline at 888-438-8700.