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Casa Myrna is committed to providing safe, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive supports for ALL survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual exploitation. We recognize that these forms of violence are rooted in systemic oppression, including racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, and transphobia.
Our work is guided by our values of equity and justice and inclusion, ensuring that all survivors—regardless of immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender identity—have access to safety, supports, and advocacy. We further recognize that all people, cultures, and identities have value, and that inclusion strengthens our organization and our ability to support survivors effectively.
Supporting Immigrant Survivors
As you have no doubt seen, the White House is ratcheting up fear in our community with highly publicized immigration enforcement actions. As part of these actions, the Department of Homeland Security removed its policy on “sensitive locations” that prevented ICE from approaching people in certain public places, including shelters, schools, and places of worship. This policy change means that Casa Myrna and the survivors we support are more vulnerable to threats from immigration enforcement at our office and in our shelters.
Our staff and survivors are scared for themselves and people they know and love. Not surprisingly, survivors may not reach out for support for fear of detention or deportation – and are forced into isolation with their abusers.
To protect the rights and safety of immigrant staff and survivors, Casa Myrna has implemented robust policies and protocols for responding to immigration enforcement. We are training staff and survivors on their rights. We are helping survivors implement safety and preparedness plans for themselves and their children. We are working with our coalition partners to stay educated and vigilant.
Standing Strong with LGBTQ+ Survivors
You have also seen the harmful rhetoric and policies coming from the White House aimed at erasing the existence of queer and trans people. For promoting equity and inclusion, the Administration has threatened funding for organizations like Casa Myrna across the country. While the immediate funding threats have been quelled, we know this is just the beginning. Though our funding may be in jeopardy, we will continue to support LGBTQ+ survivors. They, like immigrant and all other survivors, deserve our support.
All survivors will always be welcome at Casa Myrna.
Respectfully,
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