As the need for victim service organizations to prioritize inclusivity becomes more apparent, at Safe Harbor we recognize that becoming an inclusive, diverse, and anti-racist organization includes language access justice.
Mientras la necesidad de que las agencias que proveen servicios para víctimas hagan prioridad la integración, Safe Harbor reconoce que parte de llegar a ser una organización inclusiva, diversa, e anti-racista incluye a la justicia del acceso al idioma.
Ni de aquí ni de allá, Mexican-American. One of my favorite memories as a little girl visiting Mexico is of my grandfather taking me to the doctor when I was sick. Like every child I always hated going to the doctor, but somehow he always managed to make it special by taking me to The Licuado and Torta place afterwards. It was one of my favorite things.
To be a Puertorrican is a privilege that brings me the eyes to see the world from the perspective of an island woman. To be Hispanic gives me the opportunity to value the resources, the people, the diversity, the language, the food, the weather, and also to have challenges to move forward in life. To be a Hispanic means to work hard for what you want and to demonstrate the value of our culture to the world. To respect my identity and to love what I am.
I am Vanesa Rodriguez and I am proud to be a part of the Hispanic community. I was born in Greenville, S.C., and am a junior at Furman University. My mother and father were both born in Mexico and I am privileged that they have taught me to appreciate the Hispanic/Latinx culture.
I vividly remember my mother putting my voter registration card in the Bible. It was the safe place for most of our important documents. During the 2008 elections, I stood in line with a 77 year old woman. She was dressed in what most people in the South refer to as her “Sunday” best. The line was long and my son was talking nonstop, so I offered to hold her spot. She squeezed my hand and said, “It’s ok, baby. I’ve been waiting for this my whole life. There is nowhere else I’d rather be standing."
Safe Harbor stands with citizens throughout our communities who demand justice in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless other victims of racial violence and discrimination.
On June 10, The Journal in Seneca published a political cartoon that portrayed overt racial stereotypes. This cartoon, described in our letter below, also depicts discriminatory biases about Black women specifically. At Safe Harbor, we recognize that domestic violence, racism and sexism intersect in the lives of Black women, resulting in high barriers to support and safety. Consequently, Black women are far more likely to die due to domestic violence.
“I didn’t know that I was being abused because my definition of abuse looked different. My husband pushed me, but most of my suffering was verbal and psychological. I left my husband to protect our young daughter. Almost immediately I felt the weight of his oppression begin to lift. I could see a difference in my daughter as well. Then he broke into my home and assaulted me in-front of her.
I sought help and was led to Safe Harbor. My daughter and I are in counseling now. I am sorting out the mess that abuse has caused. I am finding my voice and seeking opportunities to grow and better my life as well as my daughter's. She will gauge her self-worth from my own self-worth. I must show her that she deserves the best, by expecting the best for myself.
Many years I suffered in silence. By telling my story and being honest with friends and family, I am taking control of my life again.”
MAKE A GIFTWhen you give to Safe Harbor, 82 cents of every dollar goes directly to our intervention services and prevention initiatives to break the cycle of domestic abuse in the Upstate of South Carolina. |
BOOK A SPEAKERWe are available to provide domestic abuse education and information about Safe Harbor’s services through speaking engagements, trainings, workshops and awareness campaigns. |
SUPPORT OUR SHOPSafe Harbor Resale Shop operates solely on donations from our generous community. Donations are tax deductible and make a difference in the lives of our clients. |
DONATE FURNITUREYour donated furniture can support our clients as they transition out of our programs and start a new life, and can also raise money for Safe Harbor by going to our Resale Shop to be re-sold. |
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