Building an Ecosystem of Hope
Across Latin America, Fondo LILAS’ Partner Network is Revolutionizing Support for Young Survivors
November 18, 2024
Picture a child in Argentina discovering a colorful book called "Lile, aprendemos a cuidarnos," their eyes lighting up as they explore its interactive pages guided by Argentinean advocates from ARALMA. Meanwhile, in Bolivia, a teenager gains the courage to return to her studies from connecting with her peers through Red CONVISE's youth networks. In Peru, an adult survivor finally feels heard as they share their story with the supportive community at Red de Sobrevivientes Perú. Each of these moments represents a piece of a growing ecosystem of care, justice, and transformation across Latin America.
These groups – organically created by survivors, their families, and concerned community – are a lifeline for many. According to UNICEF, one in six girls and one in ten boys in Latin America experience sexual violence. In Argentina alone, over 14,000 children and adolescents survived sexual violence between 2017 and 2022 – an alarming 126% increase in reported cases. In Peru, an average of 34 cases of sexual violence against children are reported daily. Behind these numbers lie countless unreported cases, as studies suggest only 15% of sexual violence cases are ever reported to authorities.
The data tells us that the challenges are significant. Across Latin America, survivors face inconsistent laws, inadequate enforcement, and deeply ingrained social stereotypes that perpetuate violence. Many jurisdictions still require survivors to provide evidence of additional violence beyond the assault itself, making successful prosecution extremely difficult. What’s worse is that the silence and stigma surrounding sexual violence often prevent survivors from seeking help or justice.
But these organizations show us something powerful. That incredible resilience exists within all of us when we own the transformative potential of collective action. They're proving that when we support survivor-led initiatives and help them connect with each other, real change is possible. From changing laws about the statute of limitations to breaking the silence around institutional abuse, these organizations are already creating lasting impact.
Growing Together
This is the reality that drove us to create Fondo LILAS – a network of eight survivor-led and survivor-centered organizations weaving together different forms of support, advocacy, and healing. We are eager to introduce our first slate of partners who work tirelessly to center the voices of survivors in their vision for a world without this violence.
Each organization brings its experiences and expertise to this ecosystem. Some focus on immediate support and healing, creating safe spaces where survivors can find community and begin their journey of recovery. Others work to transform the legal system, pushing for reforms that will make justice more accessible. There are also those who use art, education, and storytelling to break the silence and change societal narratives. By bringing them together, we hope they continue building something powerful: a comprehensive network of support that meets survivors wherever they are in their journey.
Through Fondo LILAS, HIP supports these organizations by creating spaces for them to share strategies, support each other, and amplify their collective impact. HIP will hold space for organizations to gather in two convenings that are focused on cross-border collaboration and sharing best practices, while also providing training and peer support to help human rights defenders sustain their work over the long term. Together, they'll have access to resources for:
- Building stronger organizations
- Sharpening their advocacy tools
- Protecting their teams' well-being and security
- Developing child protection practices
- Creating powerful joint campaigns
Meet the Voices of Change
Let's look at these incredible organizations that make up Fondo LILAS.
From Colombia: A New Path to Justice
When survivors step into the welcoming space of Red de Sobrevivientes de Abuso Sexual Clerical, they find more than just support – they find a community that understands justice and healing go hand in hand. Through their three-pillar approach of justice, healing, and prevention, they're showing us how comprehensive care can transform lives. Their work is particularly needed in Colombia, where over 8,295 sexual crimes against minors were reported in just the first eight months of 2023.
From Bolivia: Youth Rising
Wiñay y Pacha brings healing to life through innovative psycho-social programs that put young people in the driver's seat of their own recovery. Their work reminds us that healing isn't just about addressing trauma – it's about building a positive future.
The youth leaders at Red de Niñez y Juventud Contra la Violencia Sexual (Red CONVISE) are breaking taboos and creating spaces where young people can speak their truth. Their energy and courage are contagious, inspiring others to break the silence.
GSN Fénix Bolivia shows us the power of survivor leadership. As part of the Global Survivors Network, they're turning personal healing into collective action, proving that survivors are not just victims – they're powerful agents of change.
From Chile: System Change in Action
Fundación Red de Sobrevivientes de Chile isn't just seeking individual justice – they're pushing for systemic change. Their work challenges us to think bigger about what justice means and how we can transform the institutions that have failed to protect children. This is particularly important in Chile, where data shows that 31% of reported sexual violence cases involve children under 14.
From Peru: Community Healing
The team at Red de Sobrevivientes Perú understands that healing happens in community. They've created a sanctuary where survivors can access both legal support and psychological care, surrounded by others who understand their journey. Their advocacy work has already achieved significant victories – including the 2018 recognition of the non-expiration of sexual violence crimes against minors, ensuring survivors can seek justice regardless of when the abuse occurred.
From Argentina: Art and Innovation
Fundación Vivir Libres in Córdoba is revolutionizing how the legal system serves survivors. By combining direct legal aid with advocacy for better policies, they're making justice more accessible for everyone.
In Buenos Aires, ARALMA brings 21 years of creative wisdom to this work. Through their blend of academic, artistic, and community-based approaches, they show us how ending violence against children requires engaging hearts and minds alike.
Be a part of the solution!
Want to be part of this movement? Reach out to Paola Feregrino at paola.feregrino@hipfunds.org to learn how you can support Fondo LILAS.
Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) believes in the power of community-led solutions. Through Fondo LILAS, we're proud to support organizations that are creating a future where every child can live free from sexual violence.