They were nearing the end of practice when Gabriela mouthed the words, “I’ve got a secret!” She was absolutely bursting with pleasure, and Ann knew the walk home would be better than ever. “So what’s the secret?” “You have to promise not to tell.” Ann crossed her heart. “My father is getting a new job and we’re moving to [...]
Gabriela* is a Mexican-born woman with two children and a long-standing history of physical and psychological abuse. Growing up, she witnessed domestic violence from her father against her mother and was often even on the receiving end of his abuse. Gabriela left Mexico at the age of 15, fleeing from the abuse and hoping for a better life for [...]
Growing up in Turkey, Kadir* hid his identity as a gay man to his conservative family and most friends in his circle. He even dated girls publicly to hide his sexuality – he says, “I never came out to my family or other friends because of fear that they would reject me, or that it could become public knowledge [...]
March 16, 2022 was a bittersweet day. It was a day to celebrate the Reauthorization of The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 2022 but also a day which marked the one-year anniversary of the killing of eight individuals which included six Asian women in Atlanta on March 16, 2021. As an attorney, I am thankful for the Reauthorization of [...]
When Liliana* was seventeen she met Ricardo* – a neighbor that would later become her husband and change her life. Having grown up in Mexico in a lonely household with an abusive mother, Liliana found what she needed in Ricardo’s company – love, respect and a way to avoid being home. It seemed like life with him could be everything [...]
Over a decade ago, Gabriela* and her two children moved from Mexico to San Diego. After settling in their new home, she started dating a man she had met at work named Nick*. The relationship, however, quickly became one of manipulation and abuse. He was increasingly jealous and his quick temper created a hostile environment for Gabriela. “If he asked [...]
