“Siempre vivas”, a project led by Social Sciences professor Luisa Seijo, strives to educate the community on the severe issue of domestic violence and reach out to women who are experiencing- or have experienced- domestic abuse. “Siempre Vivas” stands for “Servicios Investigativos Educando a Mujeres para Elegir una Vida Verdaderamente Autosuficiente” and it ventures to do that exactly. The project offers support groups, individual counseling, legal advocacy, counseling for children, and socio-educational experiences for victims. “Siempre Vivas” started out in 1997 and now holds meetings every week throughout the west region of the island in the towns of Mayagüez, San Germán, Aguadilla and Moca.
What is domestic violence? The United States Department of Justice defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” However, its definition can’t really convey what domestic abuse feels like and what it entails.This topic has been one of the biggest issues in our community for years.
Just a few weeks ago, people reacted with surprise when “reggeatón” singer Don Omar was arrested for an altercation related to domestic violence. The cases of Hope Solo and Ray Rice have also generated great debate with the public, because of the double standard regarding men. It’s sad that in order to talk about these issues, a case involving a public figure must arise. The reality is that domestic violence occurs every day to both women and men, and it’s about time we talk candidly about it in order to make an impact.
One of the biggest misconceptions about this matter is that it only consists merely of violent and physical behavior. It doesn’t, though: other forms of domestic violence include emotional, verbal, economic, sexual and psychological abuse. Unfortunately, many women suffer from domestic abuse and don’t even know it. One of the objectives of “Siempre Vivas” is to reach out to women, so they are able to recognize an abusive situation and remove themselves from it.
Chances are, if you haven’t experienced domestic abuse firsthand, you probably know someone who has. Whatever the situation, it’s important to speak up. Domestic abuse is NEVER OKAY, whether it’s physical, sexual, emotional or psychological. If you know someone who is being abused, talk to her about “ Siempre Vivas”; these are women are striving to make a change in our society, and they welcome you with open arms, open minds, and open hearts.
For more information about this project you can email them at siemprevivas@uprm.edu or phone them at: 787-390-3371 or 787-538-0632