Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center is the first and only agency in the state of Virginia providing culturally specific services for Latinos impacted by sexual and domestic violence. In addition to providing those experiencing violence with bi-lingual and bi-cultural services, we strive to educate our neighbors and support our partners in service of the Latino community.
If you know a member of the Latino community who needs help and support to get out of an abusive or violent situation, you can feel confident referring them to LIVE. Refer a client today.
Crisis
Intervention
Licensed Counseling & Therapy
Peer
Counseling
Support
Groups
Interpretation
Services
Shelter
Placement
Legal
Clinics
Safety
Planning
Protective Order Assistance
Court
Accompaniment
Hospital
Accompaniment
Financial
Assistance
Case
Management
If you have experienced sexual or domestic violence and are in need of help or support, please call our Domestic & Sexual Violence Crisis Support Line.
If you’d like more information about one of the above services, including support groups, reach out to us and a member of our team will respond.
Partner Services:
We partner with other organizations in Virginia to help them better serve the Latino community, through our interpreter bank, and our linguistic and cultural expertise. Our partner services include:
Spanish/English Interpreter Bank
Our Spanish/English Interpreter Bank (SEIB) offers free and confidential interpreter services to people experiencing (or have previously experienced) domestic and sexual violence and their service partners. The goal of the SEIB is to lower the language barriers faced by those who have experienced violence to ensure communicative autonomy for everyone.
Our Interpreters:
- Go through specialized training in ethics and protocols, with an emphasis on confidential and neutral interpretation
- Are evaluated to demonstrate bi-lingual competence and are required to provide proof of language proficiency upon applying for a position (testing, degrees, certifications, etc.)
- Are trained to be trauma-informed and victim-centered in order to provide services that avoid re-traumatization
Appointments:
Appointments are available during office hours 8:45am-4:45pm ET. To learn more about the SEIB or how to use this service, please call 804-658-3341 for more information.
Partners Program
Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center Partners is a free program designed to increase access to services for Spanish-speaking people who are experiencing domestic and sexual violence (or have experienced it in the past) by providing support to monolingual English-speaking service providers. We know how difficult it can be for monolingual English-speaking advocates to provide services to Spanish-speaking victims while navigating language and cultural barriers.
LIVE Center’s Partners Program is a partnership in which your organization’s advocates provide the knowledge and connections they have in your service area, and our advocates bring their ability to speak Spanish, provide their cultural knowledge, and help build trust with the client. Together, we can provide better services to Spanish-speaking people who are experiencing violence (or have experienced in past) and help them access the services to achieve safety and self-sufficiency.
Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center (Physical Space)
LIVE Center is always open to new partners who want to help serve people who are experiencing (or have experienced) domestic and sexual violence in the Latino community. For more information about partnerships and our partner services, please reach out!
Education & Training Services:
We are committed to mobilizing Virginians (Latino and non-Latino) in support of people who are experiencing (or have experienced) domestic and sexual violence in the Latino community by providing training and education opportunities. Community services include:
Community Advocates Training
Public Speaking & Education
HEAR DIRECTLY FROM OUR CLIENTS AND PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
"Having a shared cultural background allows me to feel truly seen, heard, and respected."
"The LIVE Center didn't care that I wasn't born in the U.S. They supported and empowered me, helping me gain the confidence I needed to leave the abusive relationship."
"I never felt uncomfortable or judged at the LIVE Center. The advocates empowered me while respecting my cultural values, experiences, and privacy."
"I was so relieved when I called the LIVE Center's hotline and could speak with someone in Spanish. The language barrier had prevented me from getting help before."
"The advocate spoke my language and took the time to explain the complex legal system. With the center's support, I filed for and received an order of protection."
"Being able to express myself fully in my native Spanish allows me to honestly share my story"
"With the interpreter's help in court, I was able to communicate effectively and convey the full truth about the abuse I suffered."
"The confusing legal and social service systems felt impossible to navigate before the LIVE Center guided me through."
"I felt so lost trying to deal with the police, courts and lawyers by myself. Having an advocate who spoke my language and knew how to access services made sure my voice was heard."
"I assumed services weren't available to immigrant victims like me. I'm grateful the LIVE Center showed me I deserve safety and justice regardless of where I was born."
*QUOTES TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH