Culturally Specific Advocacy
Culturally Specific Culture
Culturally-specific advocacy rests on a foundation of designing programs to serve ethnic- or identity-specific groups taking into account their identity, language, history, and contexts of historical marginalization and oppression; with advocates drawing on their knowledge of, and connection to, their community’s social, political, cultural, and gender issues.
Three Domains of Culture
Culture is too hastily understood as ethnic culture, but in fact we all inhabit multiple cultures simultaneously and need to understand which ones we are operating in to be effective.
Culture of Domestic Violence and Gender Inequality
The presence of domestic violence tells us about the presence of inequality in a relationship; the extent of the violence tells us about the extent of the inequality.
All cultures have gender inequality; the degree of inequality differs, the space to push against the boundaries differs and the rigidity with which these structures are maintained differs.
Equality does not imply everything is perfectly divided in half all the time. Rather, it is the space where both members of a couple can negotiate those divisions fairly, without fear.
Culture of Familial and Community Values and Norms
Familial cultural values within relationships should be viewed as being on a continuum where they keep shifting rather than being absolute, fixed positions. E.g., expectations of children’s obedience will vary between parents, at different times, in different places (such as when visiting grandparents).
How family norms operate differs in relationships and changes within relationships.
Cultural norms in communities are dynamic, changing; not confined to one culture but present in all, with different forms of expression and adaptation. E.g., in European culture, arranged marriages are now only sporadically practiced between upper classes to keep or consolidate family wealth or virtue; amongst South Asians, they are practiced traditionally (parents arranging a match) and in modernized form (a global dating service).
This is not to minimize how harmful traditional cultural norms can be but to be reminded about who defines, changes and subverts them.
Culture of Systems
Systems have their own culture – victims/survivors have to function within the culture of shelters, of the courts, of the criminal and civil legal system, immigration system, child welfare system, etc.
The culture of systems can be so prescriptive as to not meet people’s needs. E.g., in a shelter, excessive rules can make refuge and rest impossible.
Systems’ policies and procedures often put the onus on victims instead of providing resources or justice. E.g., in the child welfare system, a worker’s difficulty in addressing paternal violence can result in punitive maternal compliance plans.
Culturally Specific Advocacy Organizations
Please find culturally specific advocacy organizations in the sections below that are in our community. These culturally-specific community-based-organizations address community-specific types and dynamics of gender-based violence. These organizations work to counteract various forms of stigma within communities and discrimination within systems, while recognizing the importance of connection to community and the healing value of cultural and/or spiritual practices. They work to collaborate with systems so the systems are not barriers but gateways to services, while identifying and addressing historical trauma, especially as related to these systems.
Deaf / Hard of Hearing Resources
All Deaf individuals, including those with any type of hearing loss, need a safe environment. People with hearing loss are at higher risk of being long-term victims of domestic violence and sexual assault due to the lack of accessible services and resources. Utahns are fortunate to have access to Sego Lily, an advocacy agency culturally and linguistically designed to meet the specific needs of Deaf/Blind and Hard of Hearing victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Sego Lily (SLCAD) provides direct services to victims (finding safe shelter; legal advocacy, counseling, support groups, parenting classes, etc.), support to survivors, inservice training to professionals, education to the Deaf community, and collaboration with service providers.
Please visit the Sego Lily website for more information https://slcad.org/
Contact Sego Lily:
Main Office Video Phone: 385-474-2083 (daytime)
After Hours Video Phone: 1-855-812-1001 (after hours)
Email: help@slcad.org
Below are additional resources for the deaf, hard of hearing and blind:
| Name | Phone # | Website | Summary |
| NATIONAL DEAF HOTLINE |
TTY: 1-800-787-3224 Video Phone: 1-855-812-1001 |
IM: DeafHotline Email: deafhelp@thehotline.org Live Chat: www.thehotline.org |
|
| InterWest Interpreting Sign Language | (866) 224-7683 |
Video Relay Services (VRS) https://www.interwestinterpreting.com/schedule.aspx Website |
InterWest Interpreting Sign Language provides sign language interpreting for government agencies, healthcare providers, legal and courtroom situations, religious settings, business meetings, mental health settings, theatre and entertainment, conference, educational settings, and other environments. |
| Sorenson VRS |
Videophone: 611 (801) 386-8500 |
Sorensonvrs.com | Sorenson Relay connects people by delivering video relay and in-person, on-demand interpreting for people who are Deaf and use American Sign Language. |
| Sanderson Center | (801) 263-4860 | https://jobs.utah.gov/usor/dhh/about/overview.html | The Division of Services of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing elevates, unifies, and empower the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind Utahns by building an inclusive community with full communication access. This organization provides Case Management Employment Services, Hard of Hearing Services, Outreach and Technology, Utah Interpreter Program. |
Native American Resources
Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women
In the State of Utah, there are 8 federally recognized Tribes. Each Sovereign Nation is located in rural and often isolated areas in Utah. The geographic location of these Nations, as well as a lack of accessible resources available for Native communities, contribute to the barriers that victims face as they seek domestic violence support.
We are fortunate in Utah to have a Tribal sister coalition, Restoring Ancestral Winds (RAW), who is the tribal DV/SA coalition representing the 8 federally recognized Tribes in Utah. RAW provides technical assistance, education, and training for Tribal Nations and Native urban communities in the Great Basin region. They are the coordinating agency in addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, leading the statewide task force to create awareness, build comprehensive and holistic change, and protect Native communities.
Resources for individuals, education, information training for domestic violence programs:
| Name | Phone # | Website | Summary |
| Restoring Ancestral Winds: | (801) 561-7374 | https://restoringawcoalition.org/ | Restoring Ancestral Winds mission is to support healing in our indigenous communities. We will: advocate for healthy relationships; educate our communities on issues surrounding stalking, domestic, sexual, dating and family violence; collaborate with Great Basin community members and stakeholders; honor and strengthen traditional values of all our relations. We are always striving to make a difference, and invite you to learn more and lend your support. |
| Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake: | (801) 486-4877 | https://uicsl.org/ | UICSL is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) look-alike, and is classified by Indian Health Services (IHS) as a Limited- Health Care, and Outreach Referral Service of the Urban Indian Health Organization. We are able to serve the Utah tribal populations of: Ute, Paiute, Goshute, Dine’/Navajo, Shoshoni, and Arapaho, Oglala Sioux, Cheyenne River Sioux, Wind River Shoshone, Cherokee, and Rosebud Sioux from neighboring states. |
| National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center: | 855.649.7299 | https://www.niwrc.org/ | Dedicated to Restoring Sovereignty and Safeguarding Native Women and Children. |
| Strong Hearts Native Helpline | 1-844-7NATIVE; 1-844-762-8438 | https://www.strongheartshelpline.org/ | StrongHearts Native Helpline 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) is a 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic, dating and sexual violence helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy. |
| ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) | https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/diverse-populations/americanindian/icwa/ | The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978 is Federal law that governs the removal and out-of-home placement of American Indian children. The law was enacted after recognition by the Federal Government that American Indian children were being removed from their homes and communities at a much higher rate than non-Native children. ICWA established standards for the placement of Indian children in foster and adoptive homes and enabled Tribes and families to be involved in child welfare cases. Find resources related to ICWA on their website. | |
| Tribal Law and Policy Institute | Tribal Law and Policy Institute | The TLPI is a Native American operated non-profit dedicated to providing free publication resources, comprehensive training, and technical assistance for Native nations and tribal justice systems in pursuit of our vision to empower Native communities to create and control their own institutions for the benefit of all community members, now, and for future generations. |
Assisting Immigrants
Resources for Immigrant Survivors:
For immigrant survivors of domestic and sexual violence getting help can be difficult as they often face additional barriers to accessing the support they need, including cultural and language barrier, misinformation about their rights, and difficulty in navigating complex systems (immigration, housing, benefits, health care, legal, etc.).
Immigration status is often one of those barriers that they consider and is used as a tactic of abuse and may appear in some of these forms:
Isolation: Preventing someone from learning English or communicating with friends, family, or others. Moving to places where transportation is not available.
Threats: Threatening deportation or withdrawal of petitions for legal status.
Intimidation: Destroying legal documents or papers needed in this country, such as passports, resident cards, health insurance, or driver’s licenses.
Manipulation Regarding Citizenship or Residency: Withdrawing or refusing to file immigration papers, threatening loss of legal status if abuse is reported.
Economic Abuse: Withholding documents to be able to work, making false reports to employers regarding immigration status.
Using Children: Threatening to hurt children here or in their home country, threatening to send children away if the police are contacted.
There are forms of immigration relief available for those experiencing domestic violence.
Service providers who understand a survivor’s culture can help the survivor work toward safety and stability in a way that meets the survivor’s unique needs. Many service providers employ staff who are bi-lingual and/or bi-cultural, in order to address the barriers immigrants may face when accessing services, as well as to promote the comfort and safety of immigrants seeking services.
Services & Resources for Immigrants in our communities:
| Organization | Contact | Website | Brief |
| Direct Service Providers: | |||
| Catholic Community Services |
(801) 977-9119
|
https://www.ccsutah.org/ |
Since 1945, Catholic Community Services of Utah has been empowering people in need along the Wasatch Front to reach self-sufficiency. By giving strength to the weakest in our midst, CCS is able to lovingly serve and provide hope to those with the greatest need in our community regardless of race, religion or personal circumstance. For DV related questions, DACA and general consult 707 24th Street Suite 1B Ogden, Utah Languages: English & Spanish |
| Holy Cross Ministries |
(801) 261-3440
|
https://www.hcmutah.org/ | Holy Cross Ministries is a non-profit organization in Utah that responds to the underserved community’s need for health and well-being. We provide health, education and justice services in collaboration with partners, donors, volunteers, grantors, and the Sisters of the Holy Cross, to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable among us do not go overlooked. |
| International Rescue Committee: | 801-328-1091 | https://www.rescue.org/united-states/salt-lake-city-ut | The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. In more than 40 countries and over 20 U.S. cities, our dedicated teams provide clean water, shelter, health care, education and empowerment support to refugees and displaced people. |
| Mexican Consulate |
801-521-8502 For emergency protections: 801-971-7305 Acércate al Departamento de Protección del Consulado de México o comunícate a la línea de emergencias 24/7: 801-971-7305 |
https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/saltlakecity/index.php/consulado |
Si eres víctima de violencia doméstica y estás encerrada con tu agresor, el Consulado de México pone a tu disposición la ventanilla de Atención Integral a la Mujer (VAIM) la cual brinda los siguientes servicios: 1. El teléfono de emergencias del Consulado funciona 24/7 para atender tus necesidades: (801) 971-7305 , puedes enviarnos un mensaje de texto (SMS) o WhatsApp con la palabra SOS . Si nos llamas y te encuentras en peligro puedes simular que estás pidiendo medicamentos a la farmacia o una pizza, nosotros entenderemos de inmediato. Llama el número para otros servicios. 801-521-8502 |
| Moab Multicultural Center | (435) 259-5444 | https://moabmc.org/ | The Moab Valley Multicultural Center’s mission is to build bridges across language and culture through family support, community collaboration and education. |
| Refugee & Immigrant Center – Asian Association of Utah | 801-467-6060 | http://aau-slc.org/ |
The mission of the Refugee & Immigrant Center is to improve the quality of life for refugees and immigrants in Utah. This program helps victims of trafficking, parolees, asylees, migrants, immigrants and refugees.
This program provides:
– Strengths-based management model – Empowerment and education about navigating systems independently – Linguistically and culturally appropriate services – 8 case managers, 14 languages/dialects spoken, many with refugee backgrounds
Populations served: Refugee, immigrants, undocumented, limited english, Asian, human trafficking survivors. |
| LEGAL SERVICES: | |||
| Immigrant Legal Services | (801) 888-9186 | http://www.immigrantlegalservices.org/ | We are an organization not motivated by profit but with a goal to provide immigrants access to legal help regardless of their ability to pay or the complexity of their case. |
| Timpanogos Legal Center | https://www.timplegal.org/ | Timpanogos Legal Center is a group of attorneys who provide free legal assistance. TLC’s purpose is to provide legal services and lift those counseled in improving their lives. We hold free legal clinics throughout the state and provide a free legal advice hotline. We primarily seek to serve victims of domestic violence and those without monetary means to retain an attorney for their case. | |
| Mental Health Services: | |||
| Multicultural Counseling Center | Call or text (801) 915 0359 | https://www.mccounseling.com/ |
The mission statement of Multicultural Counseling Center is to provide quality short-term services in a dignified environment and to involve family members in the therapeutic process with the goal of individuals gaining the skills they need to continue to live fulfilling lives. All services are available in english and spanish
|
| Latino Behavioral Health Services | Call (801) 935-4447 | http://latinobehavioral.org/ | LBHS is a nonprofit, grassroots organization created to minimize the disparities in access to mental health services among the underserved Latino population of Utah. As a peer run organization, Latino Behavioral Health Services exists to enhance the mental health awareness and well-being of people with mental illness, their care-givers and loved ones through support, education, empowerment, facilitation of resources and services with competent responsiveness to cultural, socio-economic and linguistics characteristics. |
Multi Cultural Resources
| Organization | Contact | Website | Brief Description |
| International Rescue Committee: | 801-328-1091 | https://www.rescue.org/united-states/salt-lake-city-ut | The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. In more than 40 countries and over 20 U.S. cities, our dedicated teams provide clean water, shelter, health care, education and empowerment support to refugees and displaced people. |
| PIK2AR |
(801) 793-4639
For services: advocate@pik2ar.org |
pik2ar.org | Empowered Living Services provide direct services: online support groups, online education, Case Managers and CHW’s. 24/7 no barriers, wrap around services in language when needed English, Spanish, Tongan, Samoan, Marshallese, Pohnpei, Chuukese, Yapese, Krosian and others. Translation services provided and cultural relevant education outreach. |
| Pride Center LGBTQIA+ mental health services & more |
801-539-8800 therapy@utahpridecenter.org |
https://utahpridecenter.org/mental-health/ | The Utah Pride Center’s Community Counseling practices an affirmative approach to psychotherapy, working with our young and older folks to uncover their interpersonal concerns within the context of their gender identity or sexual orientation. |
| Refugee & Immigrant Center – Asian Association of Utah | 801-467-6060 | http://aau-slc.org/ |
The mission of the Refugee & Immigrant Center is to improve the quality of life for refugees and immigrants in Utah. This program helps victims of trafficking, parolees, asylees, migrants, immigrants and refugees.
This program provides:
– Strengths-based management model – Empowerment and education about navigating systems independently – Linguistically and culturally appropriate services – 8 case managers, 14 languages/dialects spoken, many with refugee backgrounds
Populations served: Refugee, immigrants, undocumented, limited english, Asian, human trafficking survivors. |
| Sojourner Group |
(801) 810-4827
sojournerwoman@gmail.com |
https://thesojournergroup.org/ | Sojourner Group focuses on education and awareness specifically for the American Black Woman, as well as education and training opportunities to broaden and deepen advocates and community members’ understanding of the American Black survivor’s experience through a historical context. |
| Cherish Families | 928-875-0969 | https://cherishfamilies.org/ | We provide outreach services and support, such as peer mentoring and victim advocacy services, to families of polygamist communities. |