UNICA
UNICA, the domestic and sexual violence department at EPHC was developed in direct response to needs identified by the Latino community. UNICA’s goal is to provide support, advocacy, and opportunity for self-empowerment, enabling survivors to exercise free and informed life choices. Our services began in 1992 in response to high community demand for culturally and linguistically specific domestic and sexual violence services, The department serves approximately 1,500 survivors every year.
Our robust service portfolio including but not limited to crisis intervention and urgent response, human trafficking, support groups, mental health services, child and family services, out-stationed services, sexual assault services and primary prevention programming.
All our services are provided in Spanish and English by our bilingual and bi-culturally competent case managers and advocates.
If you are experiencing domestic and/or sexual violence and are in need of urgent help, please contact:
Our Free Support Line 24/7
503.232.4448
Always free and confidential
Linea UNICA
The bilingual crisis line provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week support for survivors of interpersonal violence. Staff and trained advocates provide crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, shelter or motel advocacy, information about protective orders, and assistance in identifying appropriate resources and referrals. The crisis line also serves as an access point for the rest of UNICA’s services.
If you are experiencing domestic and/or sexual violence and are in need of urgent help, please contact:
Our Free Support Line 24/7
503.232.4448
Always free and confidential
Legal Advocacy
Case managers and advocates help survivors navigate the court/legal systems through a variety of mechanisms. Survivors may need support with criminal, civil, or immigration legal remedies. The advocate role is to provide support to survivors through referrals and system navigation. Case managers and advocates walk individuals through the restraining/stalking order process and accompany them to court when appropriate. Case managers and advocates are under no reason to provide legal advice.
Medical Advocacy Accompaniment
Case managers and advocates may accompany or advocate for survivors who seek medical attention from injuries/trauma/illnesses that have resulted from the domestic and/or sexual violence.
General Advocacy and Safety Planning
Case managers and advocates help with safety planning and access to services by providing information and referrals to other community resources. Safety planning is offered to all survivors of domestic and sexual violence through formal and informal conversations with the survivors in which our agency works the survivor to identify and address risks, barriers, or concerns regarding the ability to stay safe. Our agency offers safety planning through crisis lines, at shelters, and/or through other services. Accompaniment to DHS and other services as needed may also be done.