Reaching Latinxs Survivors of Sexual Assault in Reading, PA: Los Retratos de mi Voz

Safe Berks
R1 2016-2017 $34,631

Safe Berks in Reading, PA enhanced its capacity to provide linguistically and culturally appropriate resources to Latinxs community members through a community survey of Latinxs women’s experience with sexual violence including cultural factors that may play a role. Safe Berks employed PhotoVoice, a community-based participatory research technique using cameras and skill training to capture and convey images about their community needs, strengths and story.

Visit website

Strategies

  • Provide Resources

    Provide Resources

    Safe Berks supported the cohort members via the project and helped plan exhibitions of Photovoice print and digital photo projects. The project was featured at Goggleworks Center for the Arts, Mi Casa Su Casa restaurant in Reading, as well as Art on the Avenue in West Reading as part of the Walk for NO MORE event in 2018. Art on the Avenue is a large festival that attracts about 10,000 visitors. PhotoVoice expanded awareness of Safe Berks services in the Latinxs community.

    1. Learning Circles

      Learning Circles

      Safe Berks has submitted the final study findings in a professional journal.

      The PhotoVoice project and art exhibits were featured in area newspapers such as Berks Mont News and the Reading Eagle, via podcast, and YouTube on The PEOPLE Chronicles

    2. Measure Impact

      Measure Impact

      Safe Berks submitted the project for IRB evaluation. A quantitative survey was conducted via Reading Health System (now Tower). The community assessment reached 203 Latinxs women at 5 community/healthcare sites over ten months to provide a broad view of their experiences with sexual violence including prevalence, impact, help-seeking, and cultural factors. Qualitative information was also gathered via PhotoVoice, a community-based participatory research technique in which participants receive cameras and skills training to capture and convey their own images about their community needs and strengths.

    3. Enhance Partnerships

      Enhance Partnerships

      Safe Berks worked with 5 site partners for program recruitment and survey participants. 

    4. Build Champions

      Build Champions

      Safe Berks supported a cohort of Latinxs PhotoVoice particpants.