Language Access

In 2011, approximately 21 percent (60.6 million) of individuals in the U.S. ages 5 and older spoke a language other than English at home. While the majority of those individuals also spoke English with native fluency or "very well," about 42 percent (or 25.3 million) were considered Limited English Proficient (LEP). Overall, LEP individuals represent 9 percent of the total US population ages 5 and older (Whatley & Batalova, 2013). While many immigrants in the U.S. come from non-English-speaking countries, not all immigrants are LEP. Of the total immigrant population in 2011, about half were LEP individuals.

Linguistic and cultural barriers represent one of the most difficult challenges for many survivors to overcome, and can lead to isolation from the community, discrimination, and a general lack of knowledge or misinformation regarding the U.S. legal system and its available resources. In order to provide enhanced safety planning and ensure meaningful access to services while supporting victims of domestic violence in making informed choices, it is imperative for those assisting them to fully address existing language barriers.

Realidades Latinas: A National Survey on the Impact of Immigration and Language Access on Latina Survivors

This report provides an analysis of the results of a survey administered over a period of six weeks to over 1,300 Hotline callers who identified as Latin@ survivors of domestic violence. The questions were geared towards survivors’ experiences accessing services and demonstrated the challenges faced by survivors due to language access issues.

Ensuring Access to Services for Survivors with Limited English Proficiency: Frequently Asked Questions

This is a compilation of answers to frequently asked questions regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which requires all programs that receive federal funds to take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to individuals with Limited English Proficiency.

Meaningful Access for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency (Acceso Significativo para Personas con Dominio Limitado del Ingles)

This issue of Synergy is dedicated to immigration and child protection and custody issues in the context of domestic violence. This article describes the obstacles that victims with limited English proficiency face in our judicial system and how to improve the situation for them and their families.

Civil Rights Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons

This document contains guidance to ensure language access to LEP domestic violence survivors that are seeking to receive services from organizations receiving federal funding such as domestic violence and sexual assault programs.

Ensuring Language Access to Immigrant Victims of Sexual Assault

This Chapter demonstrates that although immigrant victims can legally access services that are available to protect victims regardless of immigration status, such as sexual assault and domestic violence services, law enforcement protection, and immigration relief, many immigrant victims are unlikely to seek help due to language barriers, isolation, and lack of information about available help.

Ensuring Meaningful Access for Survivors with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

According to the U.S. Census, over 25 million people over the age of five living in the United States speak a language other than English, and do not speak English very well. In order to carry out enhanced safety planning, ensure meaningful access to services, and provide critical information to assist survivors in making informed choices, it is imperative to ensure meaningful access to services for ALL survivors.

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