In Washington, D.C., the collaboration between La Clinica Del Pueblo and the Tahirih Justice Center is significantly impacting the lives by—Latiné* immigrant survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). This medical-legal partnership represents a crucial lifeline for communities often excluded from traditional healthcare and legal support, particularly for those within the Latiné immigrant population. By combining the expertise of La Clinica Del Pueblo in providing culturally appropriate health services with the legal advocacy strength of the Tahirih Justice Center, this initiative provides an integrated and holistic approach to the complex challenges faced by these individuals.

A key component of this partnership is the in-person legal clinics conducted on-site at La Clinica Del Pueblo. These clinics provide vital legal advice and counsel to immigrant survivors who reside in Washington, D.C., ensuring they have direct access to attorneys who understand their unique needs and circumstances. This hands-on approach enables survivors to obtain timely legal guidance, empowering them to navigate complex immigration issues, pursue legal protection, and secure safety for themselves and their families.

For survivors of GBV, navigating the medical, mental health, and legal systems can be overwhelming, especially when compounded by language barriers, fear of deportation, or limited access to resources.  This partnership bridges those gaps by offering comprehensive services under one umbrella, making it easier for survivors to get the support they need. By addressing both the immediate medical and long term legal needs of survivors, this collaboration ensures that individuals receive not only the care they deserve but also the legal protections necessary to secure their safety and well-being.

The impact of such initiatives is profound. Medical-legal partnerships like this one can lead to improved outcomes in safety, health, and legal recourse for survivors, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity and resilience. Moreover, this integrated approach tackles the systemic barriers that have historically prevented marginalized individuals from seeking help or obtaining justice. By fostering an environment
of inclusivity and support, this partnership contributes to a stronger, more empowered community in Washington, D.C., where every survivor has the chance to heal, thrive, and move forward.

*Term refers to describe groups of people in a gender-inclusive way – those of Latin American descent. Please see also Villanueva Alarcón, I., Mejia, J.A., Mejia, J. and Revelo, R. (2022), Latiné, Latinx, Latina, Latino, or Hispanic: Problematizing terms often used in engineering education. J Eng Educ, 111: 735- 739. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20486

Join the conversation on social media using #DCProBono24!