Stories That Inspire: Julio
Imagine enduring years of abuse and exploitation in a place where you don’t speak the native language. For Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault client, Julio*, this was his reality.
Julio was alone, with no family around to help him. He only spoke Spanish, which created a language barrier as he tried to work and survive. On top of that, he had several medical issues that went unchecked and uncared for due to his lack of health insurance.
For years, Julio was a victim of labor trafficking – an exploitation that forces or deceives individuals into working against their will or for little or no pay. Due to the language barrier, he was taken advantage of multiple times and received little compensation for his hard labor.
After being attacked by his roommates, Julio was sent to the hospital due to his injuries and was referred to the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program while there. The program partners closely with area hospitals and in the last 12 months, our advocates made 53 hospital visits to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking.
Upon discharge, he moved into the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program’s emergency shelter. Our program provides services in both Spanish and English, and bilingual staff were able to communicate with Julio directly. To ensure seamless care, our team created simple picture cards to help him communicate. Staff also accompanied him to medical appointments, connected him to community-based healthcare services to help manage his medication and walked alongside him as he began to heal.
While in our shelter, Julio was met with compassion and dignity, something he had rarely experienced. He was educated on what labor trafficking is and how to recognize the warning signs, protect his rights, and seek help if he is being exploited. He also received information and resources to help him move forward in his healing journey.
“Julio came to us in a state of vulnerability, having been a victim of domestic violence and human trafficking,” said Dalia Valladares, Bilingual Advocate for the Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program. “He endured great pain, but with the support of Catholic Charities, he found safety, healing and dignity. His story is a reminder that compassion can restore hope and transform lives.”
Julio is grateful for the love he was shown through the Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program. His story is a powerful reminder that labor trafficking is human trafficking and that it happens right here in our own neighborhoods.
“Many people in our area may be aware of what sex trafficking is, but not many know about labor trafficking,” said Nelcy Vargas, Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program Manager. “Labor trafficking affects vulnerable individuals, those who may not speak the language, are low-income, or unaware of their rights. At our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program, we help victims through their healing journey from the lasting effects of labor tracking.”
The Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program provides free and confidential services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Services include a 24-hour crisis phone line, emergency shelter, court advocacy and much more. The program is based in Council Bluffs, Iowa and serves nine counties in Southwest Iowa.
*The client’s name has been changed.
If you are interested in supporting the Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program, please contact Director of Development and Marketing, Bobbi Jo Smith at 515-237-5064 or bsmith@catholiccharitiesdm.org.