The staff and board of directors at UNIDOS

One in three Latinas has experienced domestic violence. The fear of getting deported, having their children taken away, or facing more violence are all strong barriers for immigrant Latina women to not report domestic violence and sexual assault and many suffer all alone and in silence.

“It is pretty rampant. These days, you can be in a room full of friends and I guarantee you that at least 5 or 6 of those people in your room will have experience with domestic violence. At least three of those people will have experienced sexual assault,” UNIDOS Executive Director Veronica Figueroa tells Madison365. “It’s very prominent and very common and it’s something that we’re trying to change the idea that it is the norm … because it’s not normal. We’re not born violent. We’re not born abusive. So how can we change that and turn that around to create a community and society that mobilizes against this?”

UNIDOS, founded in Madison in 1996, exists to empower the community to break the cycle of domestic violence, end sexual assault and promote healthy family systems. They will be celebrating their 21st anniversary with a big gala event tonight titled “Embracing Cultures: Strengthening Communities” at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.

“It’s going to be an exciting night. This is the first time that we are doing it at the Monona Terrace, so we are very excited about that, too,” Figueroa says.

UNIDOS Executive Director Veronica Lazo (left) pictured here with former UNIDOS Executive Director Cecilia Gilhouse
UNIDOS Executive Director Veronica Lazo (left) pictured here with former UNIDOS Executive Director Cecilia Gilhouse

It’s been a tough year for many of the clients of UNIDOS, Figueroa adds, so it will be nice to have everybody together at one place at such a positive event.

“We started the year at UNIDOS with a lot of stress and uncertainty for victims and especially for victims and people who were afraid because of the policies of [President Donald] Trump,” Figueroa says. “We started the year in a very stressful chaotic note. But we’ve done a lot of work, and the annual event will be a chance to come together and show how we can work with the Latino community and embrace who we are as a culture.”

UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence is a statewide organization whose mission is to provide a bridge to a safe environment through needs assessment, direct support, referral, education, training and collaboration to break the cycle of domestic violence in Latino communities, one family at a time. Historically, it has already been very hard for immigrant Latina woman to come forward and report domestic violence and sexual assault. Under the Trump administration, it has gotten even harder.

“People were scared before; now they are even more scared,” says Figueroa. “Madison has been great as far as supporting our immigrant community. But once you move outside of the Dane County area, you will find other police organizations and departments that don’t have the same policies that Dane County has.

“For many of our victims who are not Dane County residents, even the thought of having to drive to Madison without a license scares them and is something that they will not do because they can’t risk getting stopped and profiled,” she adds. “Victims are really hesitant to come out now, so we’ve been doing a lot of driving ourselves to support victims.”

Figueroa is excited about the website that UNIDOS recently launched that can be viewed in either Spanish or English, which is important when reaching out to those who may need access to help in either language. The site serves as a complete resource for people looking for more information and support and it highlights the programs and services UNIDOS provides, including community education, support groups and creative workshops.

UNIDOS community art projects are also a way to raise awareness and organize people around a shared goal for the future.
UNIDOS community art projects are also a way to raise awareness and organize people around a shared goal for the future.

“We now have nine people on our staff at UNIDOS,” Figueroa says. “We have really grown. We’ve changed a lot over the years … even just the last three years.

“At our annual event, we will have survivors speaking about their story and their journey as they were able to move forward and get out of violent relationships and it is important for survivors attending the event to know that they have the support they need to move forward and thrive,” Figueroa adds. “It’s going to be a little bit of a different event this year.”

At the 21st anniversary event tonight, UNIDOS will also be presenting awards to important community members including Modesta Santos, Jan Miyasaki, and Journey Latino Clinic.

“Orgullo Latinx advocate Christian Merino will be receiving an award, too. Christian is doing a wonderful, wonderful job and working very hard in our community to make sure that LGBT people have a safe place to come and talk about issues or helping them out,” Figueroa says.

There will also be the annual “Dancing in Her Shoes” competition where men dance in high heels for prizes and acclaim. The winner gets a trophy.

“For every male out there, we will be encouraging you to get out on the dance floor,” Figueroa says.

I tell Figueroa that I’d love to dance in heels, but it’s hard to find them in size 11.

“We have up to size 14! No worries,” Figueroa laughs. “We have a whole box full of shoes. We’ve got you covered! Now you have to dance. It’s a lot of fun. Last year, it was one of our Madison police officers who won and got the trophy. The guests at the event get to vote on who wins and they love this competition.”

“Embracing Cultures: Building Communities” will celebrate UNIDOS’ 21 years of service to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Wisconsin and will be a call to action, activism, and support for communities who need it the most.

“You can learn more about what UNIDOS does at the event and it’s a chance to meet different women and to hear their stories,” Figueroa says. “It will be interesting and it will be a lot of fun.”