PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Ashley Peguero, Manager of Queen's Community Program at Violence Intervention Program (VIP)
5:13:16
ยท
148 sec
Ashley Peguero from the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) testified about the challenges faced by immigrant survivors of domestic and sexual violence in New York City. She highlighted the need for stronger protections, legal aid, and pathways to citizenship for these vulnerable individuals.
- VIP serves over 1,700 survivors annually, primarily single mothers of color with low incomes
- Immigrant survivors face obstacles including low wages, overcrowded living conditions, lack of healthcare access, and risk of deportation
- Peguero shared a specific case study of a survivor named Anna to illustrate the difficulties faced by immigrant survivors
Ashley Peguero
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Good afternoon, council members.
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My name is Ashley Peguero, and I'm the manager for the Queen's Community Program at the Violence Intervention Program.
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VIP is the only organization in New York City providing culturally specific services to address domestic and sexual violence in Latinx communities.
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Our programs serve over 1700 survivors plus their children yearly impacting over over 4,000 individuals annually.
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VIP also is a member of the collective, the only coalition of culturally specific gender justice organizations in New York City that are dedicated to supporting immigrant and BIPOC survivors through policy making efforts to address gender based violence.
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The individuals we serve are mainly single mothers of color, many having 2 or more children or an annual income less than $15,000 More than 70% of our survivors are ineligible for governmental relief programs or subsidies due to their status.
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Immigrant survivors served by VIP face extremely low wages.
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They live in overcrowded apartments due to high cost of living.
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They're exposed to worsen health outcomes due to the lack of healthcare access.
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Immigrant survivors face greater risk of violence and isolation out of fear they may be retaliated against due to their legal status.
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Perhaps one of the most difficult obstacles they face is the risk of deportation, especially since there is little to no legal representation they can afford.
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Families are living in a constant state of anxiety that something terrible will happen to them and their families.
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Many survivors have escaped their countries from an abusive partner, a family member, or authorities where they found no justice.
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Often they find themselves in a city with many promises that fall short, looping them back into a cycle of trauma, uncertainty, and feeling less than human.
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One of our clients is Anna, a 42 year old survivor from Ecuador.
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Since leaving her abusive husband, Anna has spent significant time seeking employment.
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However, she's always faced with discrimination and ridicule.
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On one occasion, a retail job offered her $6 an hour part time, which is impossible to support 2 young children with.
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Anna struggled for years to find legal support because she cannot afford it.
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She cannot afford it and many legal aid clinics do not have the capacity for additional clients.
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I urge this committee to champion stronger protections for immigrant survivors of gender based violence.
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It's critical for the council to preserve that New York city remain a sanctuary city, push for expanding legal aid and clear pathways to citizenship.
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These crucial steps empower survivors and their children to break free from abuse.
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Thank you for your consideration.