Villa stands in solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence during Social Work, Women’s History Month

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Karina Villa stood in solidarity with Latina lawmakers and community organizations at a press conference Wednesday, calling for culturally responsive services for survivors of gender-based violence in the workplace.

"Latina farmworkers sustain one of our state's most essential industries, putting food on our tables, all while facing disproportionate rates of gender-based violence and workplace violations," said Villa (D-West Chicago). "Today, we stand with these women and reject the misogynistic norms that, for far too long, have forced survivors of gender-based violence into silence in order to protect abusers."

Members of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus, alongside advocates from the Illinois Migrant Council and Mujeres Latinas en Acción, shared a call to action demanding justice and dignity for survivors through funding for culturally comprehensive support services.

The press conference also honored the legacy of Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers. Huerta's advocacy was instrumental in securing the first agricultural union contracts in American history. She recently shared her own experience of sexual assault while organizing with the farmworkers union.

Villa used the occasion to highlight the critical role social workers play in addressing systemic oppression and expanding equitable access to resources for marginalized communities.

"Justice for survivors requires sustained investment in culturally comprehensive services and a commitment to equitable access - meeting people where they are, in their language and in their communities with dignity," said Villa. "As a social worker, I will never stop fighting to ensure our communities have the resources they need to live with dignity."