Support for Spanish-Speaking Survivors

En Español

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the generations of Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x Americans who enrich our country and communities.

But all Spanish-speaking survivors of sexual violence need first-language support every day of the year.

Because your voice is your power.

 

Reach Spanish-speaking support specialists on RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline. 

Our support services are free, confidential, anonymous, and available 24/7—every month of the year.

CALL: 800.656.4673

CHAT: rainn.org/es

 



 

ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHT

 

Karla Hernandez won’t back down.
Is Puerto Rico ready for change?

 

 

On a beach in Puerto Rico in December 2020, a stranger brutally attacked and sexually assaulted Karla Hernandez.

 

She survived.

She went to the hospital. She reported it to the police. But Karla Hernandez has NOT received justice.

Now, she’s advocating for change.

 

The problem goes deeper than just my case.

– KARLA HERNANDEZ, Vivo Alliance 

 

 

Karla and her husband have dedicated themselves to a bold vision: 

To improve justice outcomes for victims of sexual violence in Puerto Rico by reforming victims' rights and rape kit management. 

Karla and Gerald’s foundation, Vivo Alliance, is working to enact landmark legislation that would set new precedents in Puerto Rico and influence criminal justice processes throughout Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.

 

>>> HELP KARLA CHANGE THE WORLD

 



 

SURVIVOR STORY

 

Sandra’s Story: “I’m Facing My Fears”

 


 

She survived a traumatic assault—and then her real survival journey began.

If my story can help one other person, it will be worth it.

 

READ SANDRA’S STORY

 



 

LEARN

 

What Keeps People from Reporting?

 

Language is one of the biggest barriers to getting help after sexual assault.

 

Reporting rape, assault, or abuse is difficult in any language. But when someone can’t easily communicate what happened—when survivors don’t speak the same language as the authorities—they’re much less likely to report the crime at all. 

 

And that means they don’t get the help they need.

 

Understanding Cultural Barriers to Seeking Help

 

Research shows that individuals in Spanish-speaking communities frequently face these cultural obstacles to getting help after sexual assault or abuse:

 

MACHISMO AND GENDER ROLES: Traditional gender roles and cultural expectations, such as machismo and marianismo, can cause individuals to remain silent about sexual violence to preserve family honor and avoid blame.

 

If you have been victimized by a sexual predator, you are not weak or impure. You are a SURVIVOR, and your truth is your power.

 

STIGMA AND SHAME: Victims of sexual violence often face significant stigma and fear of judgment from family and community members, which can deter them from speaking out.

 

The perpetrator is the only person who deserves blame for sexual violence. If you have been sexually abused or assaulted, you deserve support.

 

LACK OF TRUST IN AUTHORITIES: Legitimate concerns about deportation or other legal ramifications can prevent non-citizens from feeling safe seeking help from U.S. authorities. 

 

If you do not feel safe reporting the crime to police, you can still talk to a support specialist at RAINN. Call or chat online in Spanish.

 

RELIGIOUS AND MORAL VALUES: Deeply-held religious beliefs can convince survivors that their well-being is less important than forgiveness and family unity.

 

Sexual violence does not discriminate, and many people of faith endure sexual assault and abuse. Survivors from all spiritual backgrounds deserve pathways to healing and justice.

 

Together, we can break these barriers and break the silence.

 

>>> EXPLORE THE BARRIERS TO REPORTING

 



 

FROM THE ARCHIVES

 

RAINN’s 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Survivor Summit

 

Rewatch this raw 2023 discussion about how culture and family dynamics impact the healing journey for survivors of sexual abuse and assault.

 

>>> WATCH THE SUMMIT

 



 

RESOURCES

 

Spanish Language Resource Toolkit

 

Explore RAINN's Spanish Language Resource Toolkit, a comprehensive guide of resources for Spanish-speaking survivors and their loved ones.

 

>>> GET THE TOOLKIT

 


If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone.

RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or online at hotline.RAINN.org.