Executive Summary

MUJER’s target community is both urban and rural, located 20 miles south of metropolitan Miami, is highly agricultural and is home to thousands of farmworkers. Historical disenfranchisement, structural racism, discrimination, constant fear of deportation and poverty are just a few words that describe this community.

MUJER became the first organization dedicated to serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the South Dade community. Since 1996, MUJER has stayed deeply grounded and connected to our community. By integrating their voices, needs, and solutions, MUJER has developed viable services that work. In essence, MUJER has found ways to totally immerse itself into the daily lives of those we serve.

Executive Director Susan Rubio Rivera has over 45 years of experience serving South Dade’s marginalized communities. Susan is a third-generation migrant farmworker, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and of domestic violence. Her experience formed MUJER’s guiding principles and its rule of treating every victim/survivor with respect, non-judgment, empathy, and openness.

Mujer uses a multi-faceted approach to promoting the well being of those it serves. It starts by providing a holistic, comprehensive trauma-informed service model that helps victims every step of the way. Trauma-informed therapy incorporates psycho-education to provide an understanding of the impact of abuse so that a person can identify the signs of abuse and break the cycle of violence. It provides education through community outreach about victim rights regardless of their immigration status. Lastly it educates victims about available resources and how to navigate systems on their own.

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